The Antilles Film as Lit program is on a mission and calling for the community to help. This dedicated group of students is raising funds for their second trip to Ecuador, where they’ll continue a documentary film project focused on the Sápara tribe, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest.
Led by teacher Chelsea Goguen, who began the project before joining Antilles, these students are determined to make a real difference. Last year, the first cohort traveled to Ecuador to continue the documentary, and now, a new group is poised to complete it. But their goal, according to Goguen, goes beyond filmmaking – they aim to amplify the Sápara’s voices and raise crucial awareness about protecting their ancestral lands.
Join the Celebration, Support the Cause
This Saturday, April 13, from 6-9 p.m., Tillett Garden will be transformed as part of a special fundraising event organized by parent Amy Gibbs, whose daughter is part of the Film as Lit program. Inspired by the project’s mission, Gibbs has organized an evening filled with the arts. Guests can expect live music, body painting displays, and even a silent auction, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Film as Lit program and the Sápara tribe.
Tickets are $35 and include appetizers and drinks. Click here to purchase.
More Than Just a Film: A Life-Changing Journey
The funds raised aim to cover approximately $1,900 per student for travel and accommodations. But the impact goes far beyond that. The group has partnered with Raising the World so that a portion of the proceeds will be directed towards the Nakou Project, a vital organization dedicated to protecting Pacific forests and the indigenous communities within them. For the Sápara, this translates to safeguarding their lands from the threat of oil drilling and logging while also providing vital aid, such as medical supplies, during emergencies.
“The Sápara have opened their territory for visitors in order to model to other indigenous cultures in the Amazon a way to generate income that doesn’t destroy the forest like oil, logging, and mining,” Goguen said. “The funds collected from our visit are used to protect their land and culture, which is currently at risk of disappearing. They were once a Nation of 200,000 people. Now, between Ecuador and Peru, less than 600 Sápara remain.”
Goguen added that there are only five that still speak the original language fluently.
“In 2001, UNESCO recognized the oral traditions of Sápara as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. They created this community-owned and operated eco-tourism center as a way to pass on their ancient wisdom to the outside world. The funds will also provide financial support for community health emergencies, infrastructure, and basic needs,” she said.
Donors Wanted
For those unable to make it on Saturday, the group is also looking for sponsors.
“Footage of the experience will be featured at our annual film festival at Antilles School and submitted to other major film festivals as well,” Goguen said. “The intention is to create a film that introduces the culture and history of the Sápara tribe so that the viewers are inspired to help protect their land from the current threat of oil companies and other extractive practices.”
In exchange for the community’s contributions, the students also commit to organizing and executing beach and land clean-ups. For every $100 collected, the students will fill one trash bag.
“This is their way of giving gratitude for your contribution and giving back to the land here in St. Thomas,” Goguen said, adding that the trip itself promises to be a transformative experience. The group will spend five days with the Sápara, immersing themselves in their traditions, culture, and dance.
“The tribe’s deep connection to the land and each other offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these students to experience a life outside the modern world,” she said. “We’ll hike through stunning waterfalls, learn about the unique plant life and insects and even have the chance to share our culture with them. This is more than just a documentary – it’s a life-altering experience for both the students and the Sápara.”
