On April 19th, the Opera of Monte-Carlo will host the world premiere of NAWA SIA, The Secrets of the Amazon, an exceptional film/documentary created by director Isabella Vieira. Supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, this groundbreaking project offers a total immersion into Amazonian tribes, revealing the splendor of their traditions and the ancestral wisdom that guides their way of life. It also highlights the crucial issues surrounding the preservation of this unique ecosystem, a true treasure of our planet.
NAWA SIA is the name Isabella Vieira is known by in the Amazon. It was given to her by the chief of her community, following a tradition where each person is assigned a name that resonates with their essence and mission. (NAWA SIA means “Star of Truth”).
“The Amazon should not be a distant mirage… its preservation must be a shared responsibility.” – Isabella Vieira
This film/documentary is not just an exploration; it is primarily a return to the roots. Born into an indigenous lineage, Isabella Vieira grew up surrounded by the stories and traditions of her ancestors. This personal history lends her work a rare authenticity, translating with unique sensitivity the cultural richness and challenges of indigenous peoples. Through this project, she returns to these lands, rich in memory and traditions, to capture the soul of the Amazon, often referred to as the “green lung of the planet.”
“I saw these images in my dreams, again and again, for nearly two years. They kept returning to me, elusive, like fragments of an ancient memory trying to reveal itself. Capturing them was a true challenge, not just technically, but spiritually,” says the film director, proud of the professional work completed over several months to fulfill a mission she believes was entrusted to her…
”NAWA SIA was born from an ancestral whisper, a deep echo resonating within me always. The Amazon is not something to be told; it must be lived, it must be listened to. The content of the film was whispered to me by nature, by the spirits of the land, and by those who have protected it for millennia.”
Also the main character of NAWA SIA, The Secrets of the Amazon, Isabella Vieira herself appears in the film/documentary, making it the story of her time spent closest to her origins and those who embody them.
“There are moments when life calls you back to essentials. Returning to the Amazon was a necessity. The elders had told me, ‘When the time comes, you will know…’ It was time. It was about opening a portal, allowing the public to feel the sacred bond that connects human beings to the living…”
A Deep Commitment to Ecology and the Preservation of Indigenous Cultures
“The Earth speaks, and its guardians suffer in silence.”
Over the course of her time with local tribes, Isabella Vieira shared their daily lives, immersing herself in their beliefs, ancestral knowledge, and their intimate relationship with nature. Through this unique content, NAWA SIA brings attention to the necessity of preserving these peoples and their environment, which are threatened particularly by deforestation and climate change.
The moral support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation takes on its full meaning here. Sensitive to environmental issues and the preservation of ecosystems, this true institution of the Principality supports the cinematic work in its mission of awareness- raising. “For nearly 20 years, the Foundation has been acting to preserve the planet through concrete projects and awareness initiatives. This film/documentary fits into this commitment, highlighting the crucial role of the Huni Kuin in protecting the Amazon,” states Olivier Wenden, CEO and Vice-President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. “This initiative aligns with our Forests and Communities initiative, launched in 2022, which notably provides a platform for indigenous leaders at major international events, to promote, through the voices of the guardians of these territories, a healthy Amazon rainforest that can continue its role as a climate regulator.”
Disappearance of vital resources, forced exodus, loss of traditions, and questioning of their cultural identity… sad realities that deeply concern the Huni Kuin: An indigenous people from the Amazon living between Brazil and Peru. Olivier Wenden continues: “As the largest tropical forest, it harbors exceptional biodiversity and supports millions of people. Deforestation and illegal activities are jeopardizing its balance. It is essential to raise awareness of the urgency related to its preservation, which must absolutely be organized in collaboration with local communities, ensuring coherence and effectiveness.”
Thanks to the power of images and the testimony of indigenous peoples, the screening invites a sensory and intellectual journey, where the beauty of nature intertwines with the most critical environmental and human issues of our time.
An Unprecedented Immersive Experience in Monaco
This premiere promises to be a timeless moment. The Opera of Monte-Carlo will provide an exceptional platform for this film/documentary, enhancing its reach thanks to the prestige of this iconic venue. To mark the event, the facade of the Casino de Monte-Carlo will be illuminated in the colors of the Amazon, adding a spectacular and symbolic dimension to this unique evening.
“This exceptional premiere, on April 19th, coincides with Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Brazil and would have marked the anniversary of Chief ‘Bené’, leader of the Huni Kuin community, who passed away 26 days after filming. The lighting pays tribute to his memory… and to all my ancestors. It will also symbolize our collective commitment to protect these sacred lands, essential to the balance of our planet,” says Isabella Vieira.
With an enveloping stage design, this exceptional event will transport spectators through various aspects of Amazonian culture, offering a moment that blends discovery and wonder.
She adds: “The film was written throughout the journey, not on paper, but where each image is an imprint left by the present moment. Nothing was planned or predictable… I followed my intuition, with only this deep connection to nature as my compass. NAWA SIA, The Secrets of the Amazon does not follow any pre-existing code; it seeks to open a space for feeling. A cinema of the living, where nature itself becomes the central character.”
Beyond this screening, the Opera House will transform into a sensory space where the haunting sounds of the jungle will resonate, woody scents will fill the air, and dimmed lights will immerse the audience in a mystical atmosphere. NAWA SIA, The Secrets of the Amazon is a film in 432 Hz, a frequency known for its natural resonance with the living. It has been designed to offer an unforgettable experience where every sound and image vibrates with the spectator.
To crown this immersive atmosphere, a shaman will be present at the event, bringing with him a part of the mysticism and wisdom of the Amazonian peoples. Through rituals and exchanges, he will invite everyone to feel the soul of the forest, its power, and its fragility.
A Universal Message Carried by Art and Transmission
With NAWA SIA, The Secrets of the Amazon, Isabella Vieira does not simply tell a story. By bringing the very essence of her heritage to Monaco, she reminds us how urgent it is to listen to and protect these peoples full of knowledge and authenticity. “Monaco is a symbol of prestige, but also of commitment. If the call of the Amazon can be heard here, then the impact will be immense. Raising awareness is not simply informing; it is awakening consciousness, planting seeds that will grow elsewhere, in spheres of influence capable of making a difference.”
Olivier Wenden, CEO and Vice-President of the Prince Albert II Foundation, shares the sentiment expressed by the film director. “This is an opportunity to show that, far from the lands of the indigenous peoples, we are fully aware of their situation. Putting environmental messages into images and emotions allows us to better reach the general public. This approach also speaks to ecology in a different way, using art and culture as leverage for participation.”
Join on April 19th at the Opera of Monte-Carlo to discover this fascinating work and experience a unique immersion in the heart of the Amazon. A cinematic journey that, far beyond the images, resonates as a call for consciousness and action.
