In the Colombian Amazon in 1909, the Dutch botanist Theodor von Martins encounters the deeply mistrustful young shaman Karamakate, who has been separated by European imperialists from his recently decimated tribe. Deathly ill, von Martins must convince Karamakate to help him find the mystical healing plant yakruna, which he does by promising to lead Karamakate to a reunion with his elders. In a parallel story 40 years later, Karamakate is now an old man, but still serving as a guide, this time guiding an American explorer through the same waterways and snake-infested jungle floors. As the world moves forward, what ancient wisdoms are lost, what lessons of nature long understood become forgotten?

This is an epic and thrilling journey, capped with velvety, rich black & white cinematography, winner of the top award at this year’s Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes. Colombian director Ciro Guerra displays his tremendous gifts for sweeping and kinetic combinations of visual and aural cinematic astonishment. – Jaie Laplante

ART CINEMA AWARD