The story of 30 years of struggle to save the Brazilian tapir becomes a documentary Promotion "Anta, the film" A life dedicated to studying the tapir (Tapirus terrestris). This could be a simple way to summarize the trajectory of researcher Patrícia Medici, who has been working to conserve the largest land mammal in Brazil for three decades. 📱 Receive content from Terra da Gente also on WhatsApp In 1996, she started a pioneering project developed by the Ecological Research Institute (IPÊ) aimed at protecting the species. The actions started from scratch, with the creation of the National Initiative for the Conservation of the Brazilian Tapir (INCAB), of which Patrícia is the founder. What she didn't imagine, at the time, was that work would define her professional and personal trajectory. Classified as vulnerable to extinction in Brazil, the tapir faces threats such as the advance of deforestation, the fragmentation of habitats and being run over on highways. These factors put at risk not only the survival of the animal, but also ecological processes that are fundamental for maintaining biodiversity. Known as the “gardener of the forests”, due to the important ecological role it plays, the tapir is often associated with the name Patrícia Medici. The relationship between the two stories was built over 30 years of research, studies and dedication. See more news from Terra da Gente, on g1: GOLDEN-FACED LION TARMAKE: New rehabilitation center tries to save primate that lost almost 60% of its population HIGHLIGHT: Discover the caves and records of the first people of Arcos (MG) INSPIRATION: Craftsman transforms wood into birds and celebrates fauna through sculpture ANTA – The Movie It is precisely this trajectory that gains space in “ANTA – O Filme”, a documentary directed by João Marcos Rosa and produced by NITRO Histórias Visuais. The idea came up unpretentiously, during a conversation between the researcher and the nature photographer in a cafe. Initially, Patrícia wanted to celebrate her time working for the tapir through some audiovisual productions. The result, however, turned into something bigger: an 80-minute documentary that portrays not only the reality of the species, but also values ​​human relationships and the struggle of those who dedicate their lives to conservation. "The film is called ANTA, but it's a film about Patrícia, and, like it or not, they have characteristics in common. At no point in the film does Patrícia talk about giving up. She shows battle, the fight, difficulty, but she doesn't give up. And the species is like this too, in the fight, it resists adversity. So we can say that it's a film about resilience, it shows this life proposal, this choice, and inspires", points out João Marcos Rosa. Largest land mammal in Brazil inspires documentary about conservation and resistance Promotion "Anta, the film" For a year and a half, the team followed the INCAB team's field work. During this period, he traveled thousands of kilometers in eight Brazilian states and five biomes: Atlantic Forest, Pantanal, Cerrado, Caatinga and Amazon. "Our idea was never to make an institutional film, from the beginning we thought of something more poetic, free and we built that. The film is very natural and fluid. I felt anxious at the beginning, but we had the freedom to think together, give our opinions and give ideas, the end result is perfect", comments Patrícia. The human side appears at different moments in the narrative. One of the main relationships portrayed is the friendship between the researcher and field assistant José Maria Aragão, “Zé”. Capturing the essence of this bond was one of the director's main challenges and objectives. "They have this 30-year relationship, it's a wonderful thing, that parental bond, kind of like a brother, between father and daughter. I've never seen it in such a latent way, a relationship between two people in different places within an institution. It's a beautiful relationship, one of respect, closeness. This is the highlight of the film, which crowns these two incredible people who fight together. We managed to bring this human part and that for me was the biggest challenge”, adds Rosa. The team also outlined specific strategies to capture some scenes. Many interviews, for example, took place inside the car, while the characters were driving. In these moments, spontaneously, they were able to express more natural thoughts and speeches. You can watch the trailer for the work here. A film to feel and reflect Researcher who dedicated 30 years to tapir conservation becomes a documentary character Promotion "Anta, the film" In certain scenes, the sensation is that the camera becomes “invisible”, bringing the viewer closer to the experience lived by the characters. The proposal is precisely to raise awareness and move those who watch. “It will make people think, and, at the same time, we also seek to inspire those who watch. We are bringing human stories behind a conservation project. In a way, we are also showing our country, bringing knowledge, pointing out problems not only involving the tapir, but other species. The message that remains is that there are people dedicating their lives to this, but that everyone can do something”, concludes Patrícia. For the director, the production represented the realization of a personal and professional dream, working alongside a friend and sharing stories from a nationally and internationally recognized researcher. Exhibition tour Documentary ‘ANTA – The Film’ shows 30 years of dedication to tapir conservation in Brazil Promotion "Anta, the film" This month, INCAB and NITRO teams travel to some Brazilian states to show the documentary. The premiere took place on June 3, in Rio de Janeiro. The film has also been shown in street cinemas in São Paulo and Belo Horizonte. On June 23rd, the team will be in Brasília, with a session scheduled for 7pm, at Cine Cultura – Liberty Mall. Tickets have limited spaces, and interested parties should contact us via email: [email protected]. The proposal is that “ANTA – The Film” will also be shown at festivals, schools and events with a more intimate profile. According to the management, at this first stage, the intention is to expand the reach of the narrative and strengthen the dialogue with the public. There are plans for exhibitions in the second half of the year in locations such as Campo Grande, Teodoro Sampaio and Carajás. There is also the intention to promote sessions in the interior of São Paulo. The team also claims to be available to cities interested in receiving the work. VIDEOS: Terra da Gente Highlights See more content about nature on Terra da Gente