The magical world of the Karuara, the people of the river

On Saturday, April 12, at 8 pm. in London, the doors of The Garden Cinema will open for viewers to delve into a documentary that shows the life of the Amazonian Kukama community and their connection with the Marañon River.

It is “Karuara, people of the river”, a film directed by Stephanie Boyd (Canada) and Miguel Araoz Cartagena (Peru), which won the Award for Best Peruvian Film and Best Audience Film in 2024.

Filmed and edited over the course of ten years, the film tells the story of Mari Luz Canaquiri, an indigenous leader who, together with her community, fights to save her river, the Marañón, and the world that shelters it.

Mari Luz Canaquiri says her river is the “ɨa” – the center, life force and mother. Her river deep in Peru’s Amazon provides fish to eat, a transport route and a place to swim and relax. But it is also much more. Underneath the surface live the Karuara, which means “people of the river” in her native tongue.

The Karuara live in a parallel universe underwater and visit their human cousins in dreams. They lounge in hammocks made of boa constrictors, smoke sardines and wear crayfish watches, stingray hats and catfish shoes. Behind their playfulness, the Karuara are powerful spirits with healing powers and great knowledge.

But the Karuara and the old ways are in danger of being forgotten. Mari Luz says her people face cultural genocide.

While foreign companies earn millions from the Amazon’s resources, indigenous communities lack basic development like schools, health care and clean water.

She formed the Kukama Women’s Federation to fight back. Her valiant struggle to protect her people, her river and the vibrant spirit world below has been followed.

“Karuara, people of the river” will remind viewers that each river, lake and stream is sacred and that our planet’s fragile water resources must be protected.

This vibrant, hand-painted animated film was screened at the 28 Festival Cine de Lima and Hot Docs Toronto.

The film will be followed by a Q&A with Emilsen Flores, woman Kukama leader, and Gabriel Salazar, from Foro Solidaridad Peru. It is screening as part of The Garden Cinema Planting Seeds season, which explores issues around nature and environmental activism. This screening is in partnership with the Peru Support Group.