Amazon's Echo: Indigenous Voices Amplify Resistance Through Film Score

The captivating soundtrack for the Oscar-shortlisted documentary 'Yanuni' is set for release on major music streaming platforms this Wednesday. Composed by H. Scott Salinas with support from Tomás Videla and collaboration with Indigenous leader Eric Terena, the music was recorded across Santa Monica, Vienna, São Paulo, and Manaus. It features Indigenous vocalist Djuena Tikuna and the Vienna Synchronstage Orchestra, reflecting the film's global scope and Indigenous perspectives.

Directed by Richard Ladkani, 'Yanuni' centers on Juma Xipaia, a leader of Brazil's Indigenous Xipaya people, and her fight against illegal mining operations in the Amazon. Her husband, Hugo Loss, actively dismantles these ventures for IBAMA, Brazil's environmental agency. The film, produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and others, premiered at Tribeca Festival last year and has since won awards internationally.

Juma Xipaia has survived assassination attempts, highlighting the dangers faced by Indigenous land defenders. The documentary and its soundtrack aim to amplify Indigenous voices worldwide, sharing ancestral knowledge and a message of resistance against the rapid destruction of the Amazon. The film's music is intended to inspire audiences to learn more about Xipaia's vital work.