The film follows the life and activism of Juma Xipaia, an Indigenous leader from the Brazilian Amazon. The film traces her journey from her community in Xipaya territory to national politics, where she became Brazil's first Secretary of Articulation and Promotion of Indigenous Rights under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. It highlights Juma's role in defending her people and the rainforest against illegal mining, land-grabbing, and corporate exploitation, despite surviving multiple assassination attempts. It also portrays her partnership with Hugo Loss, her husband and head of Special Operations at Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, Brazil's environmental protection agency, who conducts high-risk missions to dismantle illegal mining camps.
Balancing political responsibilities, personal sacrifice, and impending motherhood, Juma's story is presented as both a personal narrative and a broader reflection on Indigenous sovereignty, environmental justice, and the struggle to protect the Amazon. The film combines intimate storytelling with urgent political themes, framing Yanuni as both a portrait of resilience and a call to action for future generations.
The name "Yanuni" refers to Xipaia’s unborn daughter, representing the emergence of new life amid a turbulent and challenging environment. Her anticipated arrival also introduces an element of optimism, highlighting the broader significance of the struggle and the individuals who stand to benefit from its outcome.[5]
The film was produced with the production funding of €895.793 from Austrian Film Institute.[6]
Richard Ladkani, the director used drone footage and news clips to present the happenings in the Amazon.[7]
Music
The score of the film is composed by H. Scott Salinas and original title song by Katú Mirim. The vocals were given by Djuena Tikuna, a Ticuna Brazilian singer, and Katú Mirim. a Brazilian rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress.[8]
Release
Yanuni had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on 14 June 2025 as the closing film of the festival.[9] It had its International premiere at the Sheffield DocFest on 20 June 2025.[10]
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