Voice
of the Amazonian Rain Forest's success depends on reaching
its audience. Although it is difficult to gauge the impact of a
documentary before it is made, it is critical that we identify its
market. Our experience in conservation, the relationship of shamanism
to environmental activism, and mainstream interest in “wellness”
– alternative medicine and the effect of the environment on health
– indicates widespread interest and support for Don Ignacio's stories of the
medicinal plants of the Southern Tropical Andes.
There are five main distribution markets for this documentary.
Voice of the Amazonian Rain Forest appeals to both a national
and international general television audience. Because it is a collection of stories,
it lends itself well to collection-based narrative for the Internet and wireless
transmission. It can be shown in public screenings in academia, art and natural
history museums, and libraries. The power of its message can be used to raise awareness for
special interest groups including conservationists, environmentalists, ethnobotanists,
anthropologists and ethnomusicologists. Most importantly, for the native indigenous
communities, Voice of the Amazonian Rain Forest serves as testimony of the value
of indigenous wisdom and a means to carry on their oral tradition within a modern,
multi-ethnic society that is rapidly changing.
|