Jon Batiste Explores America's Hidden Amazon

Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste is set to narrate and executive produce "American Amazon," a new documentary exploring the vast network of wetlands across the southeastern United States. This project, from Grizzly Creek Films and The WNET Group's Nature, will debut in IMAX theaters on November 13, with a two-part miniseries airing on PBS' Nature in early 2027. Batiste, a native of Louisiana, expressed his deep connection to these landscapes, calling them "sacred soil" and a "world of extraordinary beauty, mystery, and life."

The film, shot over four years, delves into one of North America's least explored yet biologically rich regions. It features breathtaking cinematography of ancient cypress trees, flooded forests, and diverse wildlife, including the swallow-tailed kite and American black bear. Director Eric Bendick highlighted Batiste's passion, stating his voice brings the "wild and mysterious place" to life. This documentary aims to foster appreciation and stewardship for these crucial ecosystems.