We Are Guardians
- Chelsea Greene
- Aug 14, 2025
- 2 min read
My first time directing a film and creating a nonprofit project! weareguardiansfilm.com
As a filmmaker, my purpose has always been to tell stories that bridge hearts and inspire action. We Are Guardians is the embodiment of that mission — an award-winning feature documentary I co-directed alongside Edivan Guajajara and Rob Grobman, produced in partnership with Indigenous filmmakers and communities in the Brazilian Amazon.
For over four years, I worked in close collaboration with Indigenous forest guardians, learning their language, documenting their struggles, and amplifying their voices. My role extended far beyond directing — I co-produced, led the film’s impact campaign, and built a global coalition of partners committed to defending and regenerating the Amazon Rainforest.
About We Are Guardians
The film offers an intimate, urgent portrait of those on the frontlines of one of the world’s most critical environmental battles: protecting the Amazon, a biome essential for global climate stability. By centering Indigenous voices, we sought to challenge extractive narratives and create a cinematic call to action.
Impact Beyond the Screen
Our campaign has raised over $1 million to date for Indigenous-led forest defense, reforestation, and advocacy — including direct support for the Tembé and Guajajara peoples. We’ve organized screenings and conversations at leading universities, film festivals, and environmental summits, sparking dialogue with policymakers, NGOs, and the public.
Through partnerships, we’ve amplified the film’s message to millions worldwide, turning audience inspiration into tangible support for frontline defenders.
Awards & Recognition
The film and campaign have been honored with some of the industry’s most prestigious accolades, including:
Best Impact Campaign – Jackson Wild Media Awards (2024)
International Green Film Award – Cinema for Peace (2024)
Shared Earth Foundation Award for Advocacy – DC Environmental Film Festival (2024)
Best Documentary – Raindance Film Festival (2023)
Audience Award for Best Documentary – Mostra São Paulo International Film Festival (2023)
And many more jury, audience, and environmental awards across the globe.
Executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, the film premiered at Hot Docs and has since screened at over 50 festivals, winning hearts and sparking urgent conversations in communities worldwide.
Looking Ahead
With COP30 taking place in the Brazilian Amazon this year, We Are Guardians continues to grow as both a film and a movement. Our work now focuses on scaling the campaign’s reach, mobilizing global audiences, and ensuring Indigenous leaders have the platform and resources they need to defend their territories and our collective future.
Storytelling can shift the course of history — and together, we can stand as guardians of the Amazon.
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