Groundbreaking New Documentary ‘River Of Gold’ Highlights The Destruction That The Amazon Rainforest Is Facing Due To Gold Mining

“We are citizens of the world, and if we want to create change we need to be open to the experiences of others and our ultimate interconnectedness,” said Hancock. “Films, like music, allow us to build empathy and understanding. From there, we can work together to reimagine our future.”

In the documentary, war journalists, Ron Haviv and Donovan Webster, are joined by Enrique Ortiz, a Peruvian scientist and activist, as they expose unthinkable, apocalyptic destruction in Peru. The film reveals how gold mining is obliterating biodiversity, endangering local populations, and turning forests into hellish wastelands.

The film also illuminates how vulnerable trees, over one thousand years old, and countless species of plants, animals and insects – both known to science and yet to be discovered – fall victim to the wide-spread annihilation. It also demonstrates how environmental and human degradation are irrevocably intertwined, with illegal gold mining directly tied to corruption, human trafficking, narcotics, and organized crime.

River of Gold, an Amazon Aid Foundation Production, is co-directed by Sarah DuPont andReuben Aaronson. The producers are DuPont, Aaronson, and James Cavello.

“Illicit and unregulated gold mining is one of the fastest and most dangerous forms of deforestation in the Amazon today,” said DuPont. “River of Gold is a testimonial to the urgency of the situation, and it is a call to act. We will make change, but it starts with awareness, education, and inspiration to build a future that protects the rainforest and its people.”

“River of Gold is a powerful, eye-opening documentary on one of the most tragic and urgent situations the planet is facing,” stated Mounia Chiboub from distributor Under The MilkyWay. “We are honored to bring such a timely and important project to audiences around the world.”