Tucked inside the jungles of Costa Rica, there is a tribe of indigenous people called BriBri, who have been living there for over three thousand years. The BriBri culture faces an uncertain future as land development and nearby deforestation are forcing the natives to adapt to modern ways. The filmmaker narrates the story of these hidden people as it is told to him through the eyes of Don Candido Morales, one of the last medicine men of the tribe. As Candido discusses their struggle for survival and demonstrates how their natural resources are used as traditional medicine, we get to the heart of their culture, their hopes, their fears, and their plans for survival. The journey with Candido also includes a visit to the schools, a boat trip down the Urin River, and an intense hike deep into the jungle to a place called Alturin in the Talamanca, where we see how Candido and his extended family still live the traditional ways. We also talk to Candido’s son who shares the contrasting perspectives of the younger generation. This film demonstrates how the power of traditional BriBri values is beginning to lose ground. As each generation comes of age, some will move from their homeland and break the chain of the tribe’s heritage. Until one day, there may be no natives, no traditional ways, and nothing left of the BriBri. This film documents their culture so that it will not be lost forever inside the minds and ways of the older generations.

Forms: Documentary, Narrative Fiction, Short
Genres: Nature, Human Rights, Independent, Wildlife, Environmental, Culture, Spiritual
Niches: Native/Aboriginal Peoples, Latino, Third World