Student Filmmakers Documenting the Sapara Tribe
$7,571
Raised
34
Donations
$33,000
Goal
The members of the Antilles School Film Class have the tremendous opportunity to participate in the experience of a lifetime with an indigenous tribe in the Amazon jungle in Ecuador.
The students will be traveling into the Sapara Territory in Ecuador to spend 5 days living with members of the Sapara Tribe in the Llanchamacocha community along the Rio Conambo. The students will capture footage of the experience that will be featured at our annual film festival at Antilles School and submitted to other major film festivals as well. The intention is to create a film that introduces you to the culture and history of the Sapara tribe so that the viewers are inspired to help protect their land from the current threat of oil companies and other extractive practices.
The students will spend their days riding in canoes that the tribe members have carved out of trees, and hiking through the jungle learning about the animals, insects, plant life, and the cultural history of the Sapara tribe. They will eat healthy, plant-based meals that are prepared by the members of the community. They will learn about dance, music, cooking, craft making, fishing, and hunting skills practiced within the tribe. They will have the opportunity to share their skills and culture with the tribe as well.
Here is where we need your help: we are looking to raise $1875 per student that covers the cost of the bus ride from the airport to the jungle, the plane ride from Shell, Ecuador into the Sapara territory, 7 days of food, and lodging (5 in the jungle, 2 near the airport upon arrival and departure), and the wilderness guide and translator that accompanies us for the entirety of our time in Ecuador. The remaining funds go directly to the Sapara communities to help protect their land from extractive practices, as well as their emergency medical fund. We are also looking for help with the cost of the flights for each student and their film class teacher.
Our total fundraising goal is $33,000. We are partnering with a non-profit organization called Raising the World. I invite you to visit their website to see how their mission aligns with our intention for this trip. www.raisingtheworld.org
The Sapara have opened their territory for visitors in order to model to other indigenous cultures in the Amazon a way to generate income that doesn’t destroy the forest like oil, logging, and mining. The funds collected from our visit are used to protect their land and culture, which is currently at risk of disappearing. They were once a Nation of 200,000 people. Now, between Ecuador and Peru, less than 600 Sapara remain. There are only 5 that still speak the original language fluently. In 2001, UNESCO recognized the oral traditions of Sapara as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. They created this community-owned and operated eco-tourism center as a way to pass on their ancient wisdom to the outside world. The funds will also provide financial support for community health emergencies, infrastructure, and basic needs.
In exchange for your contribution, the students commit to organizing and executing beach and land clean-ups. For every $100 collected, the students will fill 1 trash bag. This is their way of giving gratitude for your contribution and giving back to the land here in St. Thomas. If you own a business that you would like featured as a sponsor of the documentary that the students create, please add your business name to your donation.
The students of the Antilles Shool Film Class of 2023-24 would like to express their deepest gratitude for taking the time to read, share, and donate to this fundraising page. They will keep you updated with announcements about the film festival and the beach clean-up as the time approaches. The students are departing for their trip on June 17th, 2024.
Donor Wall 14
Shane & Tina Brunt | $500
Ossi | $300
Richelle
In honor of DJ :) Proud of all the amazing things that he is doing! Enjoy the trip.
Danelle Desire | $50
Have fun DJ! This will be an amazing and rewarding experience!
Amy Gibbs | $250
Silent Auction item sunset sail
Melissa Bach | $1,600
White Bay Villa Silent Auction item
Christopher Sharpless | $400
For the Gibbs girls in the jungle! What an amazing experience for you both and to be able to share it is even better!
Jim Quetel | $100
Hugh | $100
A most worthy endeavor - would that all out youth would get to have this experience
Alafia Rawlins | $100
Cristina Rojas | $100
Bless your work, your path & beautiful souls 🌿🙏🏽💚
Rashel Trombero | $100
Yes, one bag of trash collected!!! This an amazing opportunity for everyone involved. I’m so happy to support you, the students and this beautiful tribe
Dori Gatter | $35
Nancy | $50
I am so very proud of you Chelsea!!! This is an amazing experience you are giving your students and the Sapara Tribes. <3