The Opéra de Monte-Carlo transformed into a sacred space for the premiere of NAWA SIA – The Secrets of the Amazon, a film-documentary that immersed audiences in the spiritual and ecological heart of the Amazon rainforest on Saturday, April 19. The screening, timed to coincide with Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day, was also a tribute to Chief Bené of the Huni Kuin people, who died just 26 days after filming wrapped.
Directed by Isabella Vieira—known by her Amazonian name “Nawa Sia” (Star of Truth)—the film was revealed last night to be the recipient of the “Best Indigenous Native People’s Film” award at the World Film Festival in Cannes, an independent event separate from the official Cannes Film Festival.
The event was anything but conventional. The Casino de Monte-Carlo’s façade glowed in jungle hues, and inside the opera house, the audience was enveloped in earthy aromas, ambient forest sounds, and dim lighting tuned to 432 Hz—the so-called natural frequency of the Earth. A shaman conducted a ritual as part of the evening, adding a spiritual layer to the already emotionally charged atmosphere.
Speaking about the moment, Vieira said “It was a historic moment, filled with emotion. I truly hope this film touches hearts, awakens consciousness, and paves the way for concrete actions to support the forest, Indigenous peoples, and our connection to the Earth. I made it for my cacique, the chief of my people, for the forest, for my ancestors… for all the voices that are not heard enough. This film is an offering, an act of love and recognition for those who preserve the memory of the living world. That evening, at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, it felt like a sacred portal had opened. Seeing this project come to life in such an iconic venue, surrounded by so many beautiful souls, was incredibly moving and deeply symbolic. And I feel, deep within, that this is only the beginning.”
With backing from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, NAWA SIA was more than a film—it was a rallying cry for the preservation of the world’s most vital ecosystems and a heartfelt tribute to those who fight for them. The premiere offered not only cinematic beauty, but a tangible connection to the people and places that inspired it.
