A unique collaboration between two indigenous filmmakers and an anthropologist, Owners of the Water is a compelling documentary with groundbreaking ethnographic imagery. A central Brazilian Xavante, a Wayuu from Venezuela, and a US anthropologist explore an indigenous campaign to protect a river from devastating effects of uncontrolled Amazonian soy cultivation. Xavante and Wayuu are nationally and internationally prominent political actors and both face challenges over water. The film results from long collaboration between anthropologist Laura Graham and Xavante and more recent collaboration with Wayuu.
Laura R. Graham
Laura R Graham is associate professor of anthropology at University of Iowa and a member of the AAA Committee for Human Rights. She has carried out ethnographic and advocacy work on behalf of Xavante and other indigenous communities in Brazil and most recently in Venezuela.