In the heart of Ecuador's Chocó rainforest, a mission to save the critically endangered brown-headed spider monkey unfolds. Led by conservation photographer Jonas Paurell, this gripping documentary captures the raw beauty and challenges of rainforest conservation.
In 2018, conservation and nature photographer Jonas Paurell and filmmaker Jonathan Boothby embarked on an expedition into the heart of one of the last remaining areas of the Chocó rainforest in Ecuador – the Tesoro Escondido Reserve.
Joining Paurell are dedicated researchers like Citlalli Morelos-Juárez and Yadira Giler, who have devoted their lives to studying and protecting these elusive primates. The journey takes them deep into the Reserva Tesoro Escondido, a biodiversity hotspot threatened by deforestation and mining. The expedition is filled with breathtaking encounters, from spotting the rare harpy eagle to navigating the dense, humid jungle in search of the brown-headed spider monkey. This story of perseverance, passion, and the fight to save a species on the brink of extinction is a testament to the importance of conservation efforts. Dive into this incredible adventure to witness the untamed beauty of the rainforest and the tireless work being done to protect its fragile inhabitants.
To ensure the long-term protection of the area, it is crucial to increase local, national, and international awareness about the reserve and its mission. This documentary film forms a part of those efforts. The documentary is a mix between a nature documentary and a behind-the-scenes documentary, blending the two to tell a story in an engaging way.
