Chico Mendes' Fight for Rubber Tappers' Rights

[Music] for generations thousands of men were word up the Amazon River to harvest precious rubber from the Brazilian rainforest the Barons have traded in this white gold made vast fortunes the workers who tap the rubber lived in fear and died in death the rubber tappers treasured the forest that sustains and then despised the bosses who enslave them finally a man was born who would fight back his name was Chico Mendes [Music] [Music] forty kilos excuse me forty kilos forty kilos that's what the scale says you're not from around here are you oh I guess you're right one point 268 potatoes - ten for impurities - fifty supplies - death 92 Fritos 11 [Music] but was it was it 40 Chico if you said it was 40 it is fortunately it's a bad business but it's all we've got maybe life will be better in the next world [Music] then take a drink my name is Eric Lee this table and some cell phone [Music] [Music] there's no work in the city I came here because I heard a man could make a living in the forest whoever told you that should be shot your boys bright maybe if I teach him to read it can teach me to tap rubber read yes would you like that [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] not so did get too much and go to Barrow is like it they don't and of the forest the Wizards feet on the rock with snows attractive have you ever seen him pinku Lupita no you're the same if you take too much on the floor and then we come the forest to swallow you up I know it ever see you again twenty kilos of rubber in what's the price of rubber product is that is potato for 20 times for old take away 10 because I'm the boss Fargo take aways 30 because I'm greedy Friday take away 25 because I'm a thief take away 15 because I'm up bloodsucker but to get lucky yeah [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] ah he is a punishment when he tries to form a union he knew this would happen you how long before the road is tuned to Lila maybe five years maybe more of the Ranger van why should we find out we can't sell the beef we race anyway it's not my job felt a great fourth owned company how to do business but may I suggest that you don't buy the road is finished think about how much more the land will cost in five years DLO and I we're buying now well it's a bargain and we're raising to count if your company wants to come in with its life not we'll go to the Americans the Japanese they're the cattlemen says arrow but it doesn't look like ranch land to me not yet nothing now but one day you have to use your imagination when the jungles cleared ranch land from Horizon to Horizon that's how the American pioneers that's the way we are going to do it she's not burning down there I love to visit firestream when I see fire I see the future Jesus was a simple man he came from simple people he was like you that guys he said it very simply in a parable he took an ordinary stick look what happened simply very easily did I break it but you get the same kind of stick and you put them all together and what happens stand it break it break them come on try it break it no can't do it not the strongest man in the world can break these sticks why because they're all together together we're United think about it now Jesus were here today right now what would he do now tell me would he be right up here kneeling down praying or maybe he would put his body between the chainsaws and the rubber tree on sense of pain where I grew up there are no more rubber trees there's no marker Brazil nut trees there's no wood dear there's no armadillo no monkey no birds no butterflies there are no people 340 families have been burned out of their homes just this year are we gonna let that happen incarcerated no are we gonna let it happen here in Capretta let's defend funny how can we do that without guns we have the law on our side the law says that we have made productive use of the land that's when we have the right to it the law doesn't mean much around here but it's all we got I know that the ranchers can buy the police they can buy the judges but they can't find the law not the letter of the law that belongs to us now tomorrow the union is going to march to save the rubber trees am I going to go out there alone I can't hear you am I gonna Buster and work alone you gonna be with me [Applause] thank you [Music] [Applause] [Music] you [Music] Oh [Music] I'm wasn't in yellow of the Royal workers union as its president I demand that you leave these lands to the rubber tappers they have a legal claim to all of these fries not much time boys keep working dammit [Applause] listen mister I don't know who you are or what you're talking about when I get paid to cut trees but anything else that's in the way yo how much are you getting paid 20 Crusaders a day plus booth 20 cruzeiro's a day plus food no wonder you do this work you're getting rich begging your pardon but you boys need a union more than we do you got sold the bag of [ __ ] you know that leave the city go to the forest clear the land make your own farm and what did you find this soil is useless you can't even grow weeds in this soil this land is no good once the trees are gone but they didn't tell you that this day oh so your children are hungry and you take any work you can and here you are making the rich men richer and when you've burned and when you've cut down the trees then we'll all be hungry together and all that for 20 cruzeiro's a day what's your name Elio I'm Chico maybe we should take that lunch break I'm a little thirsty myself [Music] you pass friend it's a damn road I'm gonna need you working with the union full-time standard Chico it's time we had a school in cash right that's what time maybe your university friends could get some money for a hundred school and a clinic a hundred clinics I keep on telling what good's an education without an organization and I keep telling him what good is organization without education can organize a hundred men without education is a rabble one educated man is the beginning of a movement someday you're gonna have to do it in doing whether you like it or you do better get used to it I'm no Wilson pinion and you piss that's right they kill people with EHS [Music] so Wilson pin yellow isn't a chanela again he's got some movement with him mom Regina Regina de carvalho he's with the University in South Paulo an expert in the forest people an environmentalist an ecologist I suppose she has connections with the press that Springer ship and yarrow stopped me cutting all season it takes two months to dry once I've cut it the rains are nearly here you never told me that we're going to be problems like this Borden has contracts to supply beef to Europe and the United States I need that land it's under control Tomas as a next state deputy sunyoga Val what do you think now that he's threatening the road is not just a question of economics it becomes a matter of national security the road is a military necessity narone the laws the laws no nation all I know is I need to get that land cleared considering Brazil's present circumstances it would be an act of patriotism it has always had my support and if I were in office come on gentlemen I'll do get rid of termites nail you got between no Queen no nest or nests no termites they've got an ecologist we've got an ecologist [Music] Dahlia this dolly hangers right on time [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Wow [Music] I promise I just ahead shoulda sent them shoulder clay make a good meal what happens now we leave town no I'm not going anywhere [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] okay I know that a lot of us don't read but I want you to take these in that you take them out into the villages I want you to make sure that they keep them this the Union yes what do you want have you got a corner where we can swing our hammocks or the night I don't know yeah [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] Wow how does it look is it harder ah [ __ ] you can you hear me not now can you really nice yes Wilson Pinero is dead I said Wilson Pinero is dead they shot him in the union office the bastard shot him in his chair this is she and they did it stop my thang that's what they want [Music] Oh [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] the police are everywhere there have been too many funerals they haven't done any good I have to go away I have to go away [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] you [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] no more widows no more orphans she commended what do you want my name is Steven K I'm a filmmaker Regina de Carvalho rescue about me bring about during the wrong place Hollywood is 2,000 miles that way they know you don't understand me I'm a documentary filmmaker I want to do a story about the fires about what's going on down here anyone else I can talk to you I'm the secretary for cashew era we don't have anyone here who deals especially with filmmakers I'm very busy say hello to Regina for me and tell her I'll go around to filling those 8 forms as soon as I can I think you here to make I don't think people are gonna know what's going on down here the burnings Japan's to drive a road through your land I don't make movie stars I make them to educate people put your bags in their Union [Music] [Music] linked arms stand your ground don't fight back [Music] [Applause] gilligan back up your trucks this is our land for us and for our children the law says we have a right to it the cattle company has taken the land of a hundred staffers and their families would you like them to come to where you live and do this to you they sent the law around here I don't want to kill you but I will if I have to I'll get away with it and you know that is there a way we can talk this over not this time don't let me to win that's all I have my friend in the back he's been hurt he needs a doctor shut up if you frightened my Catalan they take an hour to settle down and in that time they don't eat and they don't put on weight they understand and it costs me money my friend could die well he's your friend not mine his worth nothing to me yes I started out with three cows and hundred acres and now I'm running 500 head on 10,000 acres nobody gains back to me he was 10 years hard labor try and take it away from me and you will end up with something here [Music] what happened question can I look you need help he's trying to get you comfortable so what's your name you know I got kicked by a horse one next time you put your hand on his ass and you saw click your tongue you got to let the horse know you're not going to hurt it didn't Tarly always teach you that how do you know I work for the railways he lost the arm this boy needs help wouldn't give me his name Geneseo we're pulling out they're blaming the rain but have to say faith they don't know what to do about you he lost the arm [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] was here I have something to ask you what's that there is this man who's fallen for a young girl much younger than his but she loves him too I'm very happy for him he's told her that she would be better off with someone else sounds like she would she said that she's tried to forget him but she can't maybe she should try a little harder my question is what should this man do leave this girl alone he's tried but he can't either marzia I'm asking you for the hand of your daughter in marriage [Applause] you beat them this road I've been thinking about this road the ranchers needed to make their investment in the land pay off they'll be back I've seen you at work and I know how much you love what you're fighting for I loved my father he was a simple man a good man he loved my mother he did what he could for us when I was a boy I saw him let a terrible thing happen because that's what we do we bend our backs and we let them beat us and we tell each other everything will be better in the next life I am NOT going to do what my father did no son of mine is going to look at me the way I looked at my father [Music] [Music] takes a lot of practice [Music] hey this must be an Amira she's so beautiful and this is Chico and how are you hey good to see you [Music] you've seen the fires yeah they're everywhere Jeremy come let's have a beer three you want to see how handsome you are on film is that man I used to maybe in the Union homes yeah we're bad back at you it means she could never late for work if we lose the rubber tree you rules everything you have to know more dear no more hunting no more hunting no more food so what is the cover this in Miami coming up the World Bank we're looking for someone to speak to the bankers about the damage they're huge loads are doing the environment I'm gonna be busy with next few mummies he's ready for state deputy wait you the fires are still burning they're getting closer all the time I can't do anything about them stop here behind the union desk if we're gonna fix the little things in jeopardy we have to fix the big things in Brasilia and Rio and Sao Paulo does it have to be you this is how we can all drink a hand can be a fist but it can also be a cup maybe I'll run for governor they say the governor's mansion has a hundred rooms I have to do this I have no choice I can [Music] they're in the river back east if you don't like hard work take that River if you don't know how to sweat take that better if you don't have belief in yourself and love for your country take that River please take it the road is coming that great big beautiful Road why shouldn't we have what everyone else has we have wide open pastures our nation's god-given natural resources and space enough for thousands and thousands of care of this I promise you Amazonia will feed the hungry world and make each of you will be manly but some people do not want you to use oh no they are against progress they think that you should stay poor as if there was something wrong with developing the land that God has so graciously given us my friends there is no money in rubber tagging anymore that's the reality no future in it for you or your children chiku men this represents the old way I want you to see the future and to come and share it with me god bless you and God bless happy because it would take only one kind of pet and and we lose everything it says here in 20 years an acre of grassland produces only a fourth as much at that same acre left as forest if the land is youthful brat line then it used 1/5 left thank you it's no good I'm a terrible public speaker yep hey my Papa says you will vote for you if you give him money tell him I don't buy votes so you're giving up did I say anything about giving up what's this you know satellite photographs this is all part of the Amazon basin gosh you ate a human yeah yeah and what's this smoke from the fart when these were taken there at least two and a half thousand separate fire then can I borrow it my brother decide now here this picture in the last 10 years 350,000 square miles of forests have been destroyed in other parts of Brazil this will happen here unless the government gives us the land of the reserve you see here will you have it you donate but you couldn't sell it why can't I sell it it's mine nobody could sell it not you not the ranchers that's the point if if you abandon the holding or if you neglected it then somebody else would take over it's the only way he is going to have a future here Chico I found out like a voice really such a difference both for him and you get a brand new one isn't that right but they gave you a chainsaw what can we do how do I fight that she go congratulations your father again twice two boys [Music] brother [Music] [Music] [Music] you know I had a son he died in a car accident it was 18 you shouldn't have to bury your own child said you know I sometimes think it's but it's because of him I want to change things I understand yeah I travel and and I work my travel think about it all the time every minute [Music] I think of my brothers and sisters 11 of them died 11th one by one they got sick no doctors no medicine no hospital my mother felt each one of them right here [Music] she used to say the dead are home before us but we have work to do [Music] that's all you sure that's a total for everyone maybe some of the villages haven't finished their count yet 10% I lost by 10% no you only got a 10% of thought she could people are scared you knew it was going to be bad what the hell are you talking about you think I can resign myself to fighting for a lost cause you think I'm out there every day for the good of my soul I'm scared too but I'm fighting because I believe we can win [Music] [Music] [Music] how to do that takes a lot of practice still got your gun what full respect all my life I've been told you can never win in the end nobody's ever told me and how you know when it is the end how do you know when to give up you don't you go down fighting is that right sure it's Jannetty right I guess I have to go to Miami [Music] will the German delegation good boy Steven oh yeah I'm in the right place yes you are good what what is it what is if I make my films of the chosen to Italy I think my people all over the world your movie star is relax relax okay okay what do they want from me just just be yourself be chicken after the conference at some people you want to meet they have to say too much just a few words I have to make a speech never going to fire to Washington yeah speak on a few committees and then New York with the presentation of the United Nations presentation you won the United Nations award for your work for my work with the tappers Lerner for saving the rainforest saving the rainforest congratulations maybe you want to put this on I see you have rainforest theater you can expect an elimination I think the hey director swords interrupt this is Chico Mendes the hero of the rainforest I'm sure you've heard of it yes ah perhaps if you leave me your card and surely answer please check information definitely the main lobby sorry Tommy [Music] I sing of my Tenzin - excuse me may I introduce you to the great hero of the Brazilian rainforest chico mendes oh yes I opinion a television you are from the rubber Union right yes the rural workers union and you are here to get a loan for your union no we're here to try to get a highway stop do you see I know who you are Mendez and everything I know about you is that you're a bad for business yes the very goal of that trial japanese-english you in gym ball gyah people waiting waiting for who for someone with his face on a t-shirt these people can help you help who help what help my members how much is all this cost the food alone that you're going to throw away for what so that people can see your film and then get to meet a real live rubber tapper and guess what he knew how to eat with a fork what is that going to change nothing you and your friends will beat their chests and and cry about the the fate of the planet and then we run to something else and we'll still be trying to make a better life for ourselves you know cause but [ __ ] evolving I know you're fighting progress I'm not fighting progress we need jobs we need development but we wanted to happen in a way that doesn't keep a storm now if I can be useful in that tell me who I can speak to not on your behalf not to save the rainforest because that's what my members pay me to do for them if not take me to the airport when I came here I had one thing on my mind protecting the streams that give my members their jobs the people that brought me here had another thing in theirs saving the planet I come to realize that we're fighting for the same thing if you help us keep the trees then we have a chance of making good lives for ourselves and for our children if you help us do that then the rainforest will be there for you will for your June I'm only against the road because the road means cutting down trees and burning what remain you don't have a forest anymore that's progress in the wrong direction that will make money for some people but not for our members why should you help us well because if you help us defeat the road you're helping yourself [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] ha [Music] [Music] oh look look Shampoo for you yes so you can see through like it's soap and scotch big bottles country very big makes you drunk no bottle and come here [Music] Megan oh god that is terrible shaken I don't you like these already seasoned Frank hi somebody gonna know first of all hide the food he'll hide the beer [Applause] [Laughter] [Music] for you it's really wanna share sure let me place my start so you look tenor for now I'm in the game with a businessman from Soho I have a pair sales and irate he is called Fiji Falls I will you fight and you never want for a bastard again all right the Lord be with you Terry Lord God Almighty father creator of all light we bless this new fire in your name protect us from the fires of the enemy and bring us the light of your heavenly grace amen [Music] [Music] [Music] oh this issue yeah you just they're going to clear it hey tali event at the launch site the losses we have a right to Atlantis we worked do you have a right to get my husband killed do you have a right to turn my children into over fun hey all right let's have some fun pull me back now just get yours [Music] [Music] so Chico goes to America and he doesn't bring his friends on his neighbor's anything back could you believe that but someday I'm going to take my wives and kids to face the world maybe I'll do my Disneyland right here in cash waiter good nose we have enough land for it huh do you say Mendez you're an expert on the future of Brazil people have used me my words for their own purposes but they're using you as well we start cutting tomorrow if you cut people are gonna get hurt I just threatening me there must be some way we can work this out I own this line out that piece of paper doesn't give you the right to destroy people's lives when there's Mendez this is in Miami you're not making speeches on American television now what right have they to send you here to tell me and my sons what we can do and what we cannot do to develop this country they didn't care too much about who got in their way when they were develop interested they but they don't clean their own mess before telling us what to do they want to breathe clean air start with us wrong in their own backyard remembers in the forest the bog get eaten by the Frog get invited neither us we get a choice where we are a food chain you make your choice we are cutting tomorrow [Music] [Music] no gun no weapon not even a stick [Music] [Music] [Music] ha [Music] we can't hire you we can't hurt you when I fire you listen why we'll just find you where I am we can't help you Lester go ahead son so then the others wait get Iost please pocket Oh [Music] [Music] get up let's go let them through let's go [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] I believe in you but I believe in justice there is no law in tepui it's up to us to make that law and you all know how we have to do it yeah just because they are murderers do we have to be converted we don't want philosophy think that for your friends in America if we're going to die let's die like men that's right you want violence fine we'll have violence and I promise you once I start I won't stop you want to burn down the others ranch I'll help you do it let's take a vote who votes for the gun who's with me who says no guns I can't pretend to have all of your trust anymore so I can't keep saying trust me trust me all I can say is they're scared they put 9 bullets in his body that's how scared they are this can't go on we have to negotiate with him [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] how are you she cooked what a great honor our state deputy here in person I didn't realize elections were so near very clever and you are how fast they sell your sir said Oh is a great believer in our country an investor patriot thank you we're here to talk about the road seems to me you don't need a road she can please me wait [Music] what do you want Mendez more loss we don't need more laws we need the ones we have to be enforced we want the rights to our land we want to save the forest for yourself personally peace to be able to get on with my life chiku we understand that you are not the type of man that can be bought that's right so we're prepared to negotiate the negotiation involves a dialogue a give-and-take time give us the land take away the chainsaws give our people back their fathers and husbands and sons and brothers [Music] Chieko please do you really think this is in good taste to embarrass you're complimenting your government in the eyes of the world is it in good taste to put 9 bullets in a man's body your American friends do you know what they're saying now the Amazon doesn't belong to Brazil it belongs to the world you agree with them what you think to ultima these beans hmm what do you think about that man discs are you on their side or ours you have to try the beans [Music] everything I've done has been for my country how can you be so sure can you sleep nights Mendez don't you ask yourself how you can be right everybody else is wrong let's have some real give-and-take we stop the burning you help us with your rope the government will work with you she coos you just let us in wicked without any interruption that's right your members invest their labour in the Amazon I invest my capital what's the difference with graphics no way my way [Music] [Music] those are my brothers and sisters no road no more burning no more loans unless you ask them but they want the money used for it is my great pleasure to announce today the federal government about me on my recommendation my full support and encouragement has authorized me to designate cashew ADA as one of the first ever extracted reserves in this nation's great history the land will be held in trust for all the people of the Amazon their children and their children's children [Applause] [Music] [Music] from this moment forward the forest belongs to all of you and each person who makes a living in it in addition the government about sealing the floors the violence infatuation will renew its investigations into the deaths of Wilson Pinero Joey Iglesias and others [Music] [Music] she commend this my friends this is a new day a new page in our nation's history chiku was all forget the past and move together towards the future [Applause] [Applause] [Music] bear of seven cent and miss Olli has you a measurement it's politics if that's what you came to tell me you could have saved yourself a jerk [Music] it's not like you to give up can I do anything to help I don't give a [ __ ] away help it is personal now [Music] [Music] you have to get away shoo you humiliated you think that kind of ignores where would I go well you've got lots of friends everywhere now we could go back to America what would I do in American you have to mean I can't run gosh where is my home years ago Wilson said to me she was the one and I said yes and you are today scareder but it doesn't have to end there he is Regina can't you see we can't lose you now so you want to be a mother instead you want them to kill you listen to it Stephen history you could go to heal or self a low or back to America make some money speaking would that be so bad look if assassinating me would put an end to the gunman it might be worth even that if a messenger came down from heaven and guaranteed that my death would strengthen our cause it might be worth it yes but it's not with big funerals that we're going to save the Amazon I want to live I want to live you should i co you have to leave you have to go now wait you're going to me you and me we're the kind that go down fighting right don't get it with the world fire [Music] [Music] [Music] to be George all right everyone come inside it's close enough and Sandino mama and look what I carved for Elenita he has his feet on backwards and he's riding on a pig who is it that's good oh yeah that's right is he too thick too much the forest he counters from the Jacqueline thank you of course it's true and when your brother is a little older you tell him all about croupier promise me [Music] now please again why well because if you help us defeat the road you're helping yourself I hate watching myself on television when I came here I had watching my heart liar I look all negative my members their job you are for our children if you have to do that then the rainforest will be there for you I know you're going to load before you the run shutting down dream [Music] an internationally-recognized defender of the Amazon forest has been murdered in Brazil by unknown gunmen Mendes was shot to death behind his house his murder brought worldwide attention to the quality fall for this is news from the BBC the death of Chico Mendes has caused the Brazilian government to temporarily halt later tearing and burning in western Amazonia on March 12 1990 the Brazilian government decreed the 2.5 million acres around cash shredder would be protected forever by law from all cutting clearing and burning it is called the Chico Mendes reserve [Music] Genet CEO testified against darli alves and his son there were sentenced to 19 years in prison after serving only three years they escaped and are still at large nearly half of the world's tropical rainforest has been destroyed every 10 minutes we lose an area the size of Central Park every day we lose an area the size of norm each year an area the size of England Scotland and Wales is destroyed at the peak of the burning the Amazon was covered by a smoke cloud the size of India 70% of plants identified as having cancer-fighting properties are found in tropical emergence of AIDS and other deadly viruses appears to be a natural consequence of the ruin everyone who by only 50 species are destroyed by default burning of forests in Brazil is expected to raise the global thermostat 3 to 8 degrees greenhouse effect could lead to the melting of the polar ice cap and the flooding of the world's major coastal cities [Music] and then our home before us but we have work to do [Music] [Music] you [Music] [Applause] [Music] the [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Oh [Music] [Music] you

[Music] for generations thousands of men were word up the Amazon River to harvest precious rubber from the Brazilian rainforest the Barons have traded in this white gold made vast fortunes the workers who tap the rubber lived in fear and died in death the rubber tappers treasured the forest that sustains and then despised the bosses who enslave them finally a man was born who would fight back his name was Chico Mendes [Music] [Music] forty kilos excuse me forty kilos forty kilos that's what the scale says you're not from around here are you oh I guess you're right one point 268 potatoes - ten for impurities - fifty supplies - death 92 Fritos 11 [Music] but was it was it 40 Chico if you said it was 40 it is fortunately it's a bad business but it's all we've got maybe life will be better in the next world [Music] then take a drink my name is Eric Lee this table and some cell phone [Music] [Music] there's no work in the city I came here because I heard a man could make a living in the forest whoever told you that should be shot your boys bright maybe if I teach him to read it can teach me to tap rubber read yes would you like that [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] not so did get too much and go to Barrow is like it they don't and of the forest the Wizards feet on the rock with snows attractive have you ever seen him pinku Lupita no you're the same if you take too much on the floor and then we come the forest to swallow you up I know it ever see you again twenty kilos of rubber in what's the price of rubber product is that is potato for 20 times for old take away 10 because I'm the boss Fargo take aways 30 because I'm greedy Friday take away 25 because I'm a thief take away 15 because I'm up bloodsucker but to get lucky yeah [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] ah he is a punishment when he tries to form a union he knew this would happen you how long before the road is tuned to Lila maybe five years maybe more of the Ranger van why should we find out we can't sell the beef we race anyway it's not my job felt a great fourth owned company how to do business but may I suggest that you don't buy the road is finished think about how much more the land will cost in five years DLO and I we're buying now well it's a bargain and we're raising to count if your company wants to come in with its life not we'll go to the Americans the Japanese they're the cattlemen says arrow but it doesn't look like ranch land to me not yet nothing now but one day you have to use your imagination when the jungles cleared ranch land from Horizon to Horizon that's how the American pioneers that's the way we are going to do it she's not burning down there I love to visit firestream when I see fire I see the future Jesus was a simple man he came from simple people he was like you that guys he said it very simply in a parable he took an ordinary stick look what happened simply very easily did I break it but you get the same kind of stick and you put them all together and what happens stand it break it break them come on try it break it no can't do it not the strongest man in the world can break these sticks why because they're all together together we're United think about it now Jesus were here today right now what would he do now tell me would he be right up here kneeling down praying or maybe he would put his body between the chainsaws and the rubber tree on sense of pain where I grew up there are no more rubber trees there's no marker Brazil nut trees there's no wood dear there's no armadillo no monkey no birds no butterflies there are no people 340 families have been burned out of their homes just this year are we gonna let that happen incarcerated no are we gonna let it happen here in Capretta let's defend funny how can we do that without guns we have the law on our side the law says that we have made productive use of the land that's when we have the right to it the law doesn't mean much around here but it's all we got I know that the ranchers can buy the police they can buy the judges but they can't find the law not the letter of the law that belongs to us now tomorrow the union is going to march to save the rubber trees am I going to go out there alone I can't hear you am I gonna Buster and work alone you gonna be with me [Applause] thank you [Music] [Applause] [Music] you [Music] Oh [Music] I'm wasn't in yellow of the Royal workers union as its president I demand that you leave these lands to the rubber tappers they have a legal claim to all of these fries not much time boys keep working dammit [Applause] listen mister I don't know who you are or what you're talking about when I get paid to cut trees but anything else that's in the way yo how much are you getting paid 20 Crusaders a day plus booth 20 cruzeiro's a day plus food no wonder you do this work you're getting rich begging your pardon but you boys need a union more than we do you got sold the bag of [ __ ] you know that leave the city go to the forest clear the land make your own farm and what did you find this soil is useless you can't even grow weeds in this soil this land is no good once the trees are gone but they didn't tell you that this day oh so your children are hungry and you take any work you can and here you are making the rich men richer and when you've burned and when you've cut down the trees then we'll all be hungry together and all that for 20 cruzeiro's a day what's your name Elio I'm Chico maybe we should take that lunch break I'm a little thirsty myself [Music] you pass friend it's a damn road I'm gonna need you working with the union full-time standard Chico it's time we had a school in cash right that's what time maybe your university friends could get some money for a hundred school and a clinic a hundred clinics I keep on telling what good's an education without an organization and I keep telling him what good is organization without education can organize a hundred men without education is a rabble one educated man is the beginning of a movement someday you're gonna have to do it in doing whether you like it or you do better get used to it I'm no Wilson pinion and you piss that's right they kill people with EHS [Music] so Wilson pin yellow isn't a chanela again he's got some movement with him mom Regina Regina de carvalho he's with the University in South Paulo an expert in the forest people an environmentalist an ecologist I suppose she has connections with the press that Springer ship and yarrow stopped me cutting all season it takes two months to dry once I've cut it the rains are nearly here you never told me that we're going to be problems like this Borden has contracts to supply beef to Europe and the United States I need that land it's under control Tomas as a next state deputy sunyoga Val what do you think now that he's threatening the road is not just a question of economics it becomes a matter of national security the road is a military necessity narone the laws the laws no nation all I know is I need to get that land cleared considering Brazil's present circumstances it would be an act of patriotism it has always had my support and if I were in office come on gentlemen I'll do get rid of termites nail you got between no Queen no nest or nests no termites they've got an ecologist we've got an ecologist [Music] Dahlia this dolly hangers right on time [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Wow [Music] I promise I just ahead shoulda sent them shoulder clay make a good meal what happens now we leave town no I'm not going anywhere [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] okay I know that a lot of us don't read but I want you to take these in that you take them out into the villages I want you to make sure that they keep them this the Union yes what do you want have you got a corner where we can swing our hammocks or the night I don't know yeah [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] Wow how does it look is it harder ah [ __ ] you can you hear me not now can you really nice yes Wilson Pinero is dead I said Wilson Pinero is dead they shot him in the union office the bastard shot him in his chair this is she and they did it stop my thang that's what they want [Music] Oh [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] the police are everywhere there have been too many funerals they haven't done any good I have to go away I have to go away [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] you [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] no more widows no more orphans she commended what do you want my name is Steven K I'm a filmmaker Regina de Carvalho rescue about me bring about during the wrong place Hollywood is 2,000 miles that way they know you don't understand me I'm a documentary filmmaker I want to do a story about the fires about what's going on down here anyone else I can talk to you I'm the secretary for cashew era we don't have anyone here who deals especially with filmmakers I'm very busy say hello to Regina for me and tell her I'll go around to filling those 8 forms as soon as I can I think you here to make I don't think people are gonna know what's going on down here the burnings Japan's to drive a road through your land I don't make movie stars I make them to educate people put your bags in their Union [Music] [Music] linked arms stand your ground don't fight back [Music] [Applause] gilligan back up your trucks this is our land for us and for our children the law says we have a right to it the cattle company has taken the land of a hundred staffers and their families would you like them to come to where you live and do this to you they sent the law around here I don't want to kill you but I will if I have to I'll get away with it and you know that is there a way we can talk this over not this time don't let me to win that's all I have my friend in the back he's been hurt he needs a doctor shut up if you frightened my Catalan they take an hour to settle down and in that time they don't eat and they don't put on weight they understand and it costs me money my friend could die well he's your friend not mine his worth nothing to me yes I started out with three cows and hundred acres and now I'm running 500 head on 10,000 acres nobody gains back to me he was 10 years hard labor try and take it away from me and you will end up with something here [Music] what happened question can I look you need help he's trying to get you comfortable so what's your name you know I got kicked by a horse one next time you put your hand on his ass and you saw click your tongue you got to let the horse know you're not going to hurt it didn't Tarly always teach you that how do you know I work for the railways he lost the arm this boy needs help wouldn't give me his name Geneseo we're pulling out they're blaming the rain but have to say faith they don't know what to do about you he lost the arm [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] was here I have something to ask you what's that there is this man who's fallen for a young girl much younger than his but she loves him too I'm very happy for him he's told her that she would be better off with someone else sounds like she would she said that she's tried to forget him but she can't maybe she should try a little harder my question is what should this man do leave this girl alone he's tried but he can't either marzia I'm asking you for the hand of your daughter in marriage [Applause] you beat them this road I've been thinking about this road the ranchers needed to make their investment in the land pay off they'll be back I've seen you at work and I know how much you love what you're fighting for I loved my father he was a simple man a good man he loved my mother he did what he could for us when I was a boy I saw him let a terrible thing happen because that's what we do we bend our backs and we let them beat us and we tell each other everything will be better in the next life I am NOT going to do what my father did no son of mine is going to look at me the way I looked at my father [Music] [Music] takes a lot of practice [Music] hey this must be an Amira she's so beautiful and this is Chico and how are you hey good to see you [Music] you've seen the fires yeah they're everywhere Jeremy come let's have a beer three you want to see how handsome you are on film is that man I used to maybe in the Union homes yeah we're bad back at you it means she could never late for work if we lose the rubber tree you rules everything you have to know more dear no more hunting no more hunting no more food so what is the cover this in Miami coming up the World Bank we're looking for someone to speak to the bankers about the damage they're huge loads are doing the environment I'm gonna be busy with next few mummies he's ready for state deputy wait you the fires are still burning they're getting closer all the time I can't do anything about them stop here behind the union desk if we're gonna fix the little things in jeopardy we have to fix the big things in Brasilia and Rio and Sao Paulo does it have to be you this is how we can all drink a hand can be a fist but it can also be a cup maybe I'll run for governor they say the governor's mansion has a hundred rooms I have to do this I have no choice I can [Music] they're in the river back east if you don't like hard work take that River if you don't know how to sweat take that better if you don't have belief in yourself and love for your country take that River please take it the road is coming that great big beautiful Road why shouldn't we have what everyone else has we have wide open pastures our nation's god-given natural resources and space enough for thousands and thousands of care of this I promise you Amazonia will feed the hungry world and make each of you will be manly but some people do not want you to use oh no they are against progress they think that you should stay poor as if there was something wrong with developing the land that God has so graciously given us my friends there is no money in rubber tagging anymore that's the reality no future in it for you or your children chiku men this represents the old way I want you to see the future and to come and share it with me god bless you and God bless happy because it would take only one kind of pet and and we lose everything it says here in 20 years an acre of grassland produces only a fourth as much at that same acre left as forest if the land is youthful brat line then it used 1/5 left thank you it's no good I'm a terrible public speaker yep hey my Papa says you will vote for you if you give him money tell him I don't buy votes so you're giving up did I say anything about giving up what's this you know satellite photographs this is all part of the Amazon basin gosh you ate a human yeah yeah and what's this smoke from the fart when these were taken there at least two and a half thousand separate fire then can I borrow it my brother decide now here this picture in the last 10 years 350,000 square miles of forests have been destroyed in other parts of Brazil this will happen here unless the government gives us the land of the reserve you see here will you have it you donate but you couldn't sell it why can't I sell it it's mine nobody could sell it not you not the ranchers that's the point if if you abandon the holding or if you neglected it then somebody else would take over it's the only way he is going to have a future here Chico I found out like a voice really such a difference both for him and you get a brand new one isn't that right but they gave you a chainsaw what can we do how do I fight that she go congratulations your father again twice two boys [Music] brother [Music] [Music] [Music] you know I had a son he died in a car accident it was 18 you shouldn't have to bury your own child said you know I sometimes think it's but it's because of him I want to change things I understand yeah I travel and and I work my travel think about it all the time every minute [Music] I think of my brothers and sisters 11 of them died 11th one by one they got sick no doctors no medicine no hospital my mother felt each one of them right here [Music] she used to say the dead are home before us but we have work to do [Music] that's all you sure that's a total for everyone maybe some of the villages haven't finished their count yet 10% I lost by 10% no you only got a 10% of thought she could people are scared you knew it was going to be bad what the hell are you talking about you think I can resign myself to fighting for a lost cause you think I'm out there every day for the good of my soul I'm scared too but I'm fighting because I believe we can win [Music] [Music] [Music] how to do that takes a lot of practice still got your gun what full respect all my life I've been told you can never win in the end nobody's ever told me and how you know when it is the end how do you know when to give up you don't you go down fighting is that right sure it's Jannetty right I guess I have to go to Miami [Music] will the German delegation good boy Steven oh yeah I'm in the right place yes you are good what what is it what is if I make my films of the chosen to Italy I think my people all over the world your movie star is relax relax okay okay what do they want from me just just be yourself be chicken after the conference at some people you want to meet they have to say too much just a few words I have to make a speech never going to fire to Washington yeah speak on a few committees and then New York with the presentation of the United Nations presentation you won the United Nations award for your work for my work with the tappers Lerner for saving the rainforest saving the rainforest congratulations maybe you want to put this on I see you have rainforest theater you can expect an elimination I think the hey director swords interrupt this is Chico Mendes the hero of the rainforest I'm sure you've heard of it yes ah perhaps if you leave me your card and surely answer please check information definitely the main lobby sorry Tommy [Music] I sing of my Tenzin - excuse me may I introduce you to the great hero of the Brazilian rainforest chico mendes oh yes I opinion a television you are from the rubber Union right yes the rural workers union and you are here to get a loan for your union no we're here to try to get a highway stop do you see I know who you are Mendez and everything I know about you is that you're a bad for business yes the very goal of that trial japanese-english you in gym ball gyah people waiting waiting for who for someone with his face on a t-shirt these people can help you help who help what help my members how much is all this cost the food alone that you're going to throw away for what so that people can see your film and then get to meet a real live rubber tapper and guess what he knew how to eat with a fork what is that going to change nothing you and your friends will beat their chests and and cry about the the fate of the planet and then we run to something else and we'll still be trying to make a better life for ourselves you know cause but [ __ ] evolving I know you're fighting progress I'm not fighting progress we need jobs we need development but we wanted to happen in a way that doesn't keep a storm now if I can be useful in that tell me who I can speak to not on your behalf not to save the rainforest because that's what my members pay me to do for them if not take me to the airport when I came here I had one thing on my mind protecting the streams that give my members their jobs the people that brought me here had another thing in theirs saving the planet I come to realize that we're fighting for the same thing if you help us keep the trees then we have a chance of making good lives for ourselves and for our children if you help us do that then the rainforest will be there for you will for your June I'm only against the road because the road means cutting down trees and burning what remain you don't have a forest anymore that's progress in the wrong direction that will make money for some people but not for our members why should you help us well because if you help us defeat the road you're helping yourself [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] ha [Music] [Music] oh look look Shampoo for you yes so you can see through like it's soap and scotch big bottles country very big makes you drunk no bottle and come here [Music] Megan oh god that is terrible shaken I don't you like these already seasoned Frank hi somebody gonna know first of all hide the food he'll hide the beer [Applause] [Laughter] [Music] for you it's really wanna share sure let me place my start so you look tenor for now I'm in the game with a businessman from Soho I have a pair sales and irate he is called Fiji Falls I will you fight and you never want for a bastard again all right the Lord be with you Terry Lord God Almighty father creator of all light we bless this new fire in your name protect us from the fires of the enemy and bring us the light of your heavenly grace amen [Music] [Music] [Music] oh this issue yeah you just they're going to clear it hey tali event at the launch site the losses we have a right to Atlantis we worked do you have a right to get my husband killed do you have a right to turn my children into over fun hey all right let's have some fun pull me back now just get yours [Music] [Music] so Chico goes to America and he doesn't bring his friends on his neighbor's anything back could you believe that but someday I'm going to take my wives and kids to face the world maybe I'll do my Disneyland right here in cash waiter good nose we have enough land for it huh do you say Mendez you're an expert on the future of Brazil people have used me my words for their own purposes but they're using you as well we start cutting tomorrow if you cut people are gonna get hurt I just threatening me there must be some way we can work this out I own this line out that piece of paper doesn't give you the right to destroy people's lives when there's Mendez this is in Miami you're not making speeches on American television now what right have they to send you here to tell me and my sons what we can do and what we cannot do to develop this country they didn't care too much about who got in their way when they were develop interested they but they don't clean their own mess before telling us what to do they want to breathe clean air start with us wrong in their own backyard remembers in the forest the bog get eaten by the Frog get invited neither us we get a choice where we are a food chain you make your choice we are cutting tomorrow [Music] [Music] no gun no weapon not even a stick [Music] [Music] [Music] ha [Music] we can't hire you we can't hurt you when I fire you listen why we'll just find you where I am we can't help you Lester go ahead son so then the others wait get Iost please pocket Oh [Music] [Music] get up let's go let them through let's go [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] I believe in you but I believe in justice there is no law in tepui it's up to us to make that law and you all know how we have to do it yeah just because they are murderers do we have to be converted we don't want philosophy think that for your friends in America if we're going to die let's die like men that's right you want violence fine we'll have violence and I promise you once I start I won't stop you want to burn down the others ranch I'll help you do it let's take a vote who votes for the gun who's with me who says no guns I can't pretend to have all of your trust anymore so I can't keep saying trust me trust me all I can say is they're scared they put 9 bullets in his body that's how scared they are this can't go on we have to negotiate with him [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] how are you she cooked what a great honor our state deputy here in person I didn't realize elections were so near very clever and you are how fast they sell your sir said Oh is a great believer in our country an investor patriot thank you we're here to talk about the road seems to me you don't need a road she can please me wait [Music] what do you want Mendez more loss we don't need more laws we need the ones we have to be enforced we want the rights to our land we want to save the forest for yourself personally peace to be able to get on with my life chiku we understand that you are not the type of man that can be bought that's right so we're prepared to negotiate the negotiation involves a dialogue a give-and-take time give us the land take away the chainsaws give our people back their fathers and husbands and sons and brothers [Music] Chieko please do you really think this is in good taste to embarrass you're complimenting your government in the eyes of the world is it in good taste to put 9 bullets in a man's body your American friends do you know what they're saying now the Amazon doesn't belong to Brazil it belongs to the world you agree with them what you think to ultima these beans hmm what do you think about that man discs are you on their side or ours you have to try the beans [Music] everything I've done has been for my country how can you be so sure can you sleep nights Mendez don't you ask yourself how you can be right everybody else is wrong let's have some real give-and-take we stop the burning you help us with your rope the government will work with you she coos you just let us in wicked without any interruption that's right your members invest their labour in the Amazon I invest my capital what's the difference with graphics no way my way [Music] [Music] those are my brothers and sisters no road no more burning no more loans unless you ask them but they want the money used for it is my great pleasure to announce today the federal government about me on my recommendation my full support and encouragement has authorized me to designate cashew ADA as one of the first ever extracted reserves in this nation's great history the land will be held in trust for all the people of the Amazon their children and their children's children [Applause] [Music] [Music] from this moment forward the forest belongs to all of you and each person who makes a living in it in addition the government about sealing the floors the violence infatuation will renew its investigations into the deaths of Wilson Pinero Joey Iglesias and others [Music] [Music] she commend this my friends this is a new day a new page in our nation's history chiku was all forget the past and move together towards the future [Applause] [Applause] [Music] bear of seven cent and miss Olli has you a measurement it's politics if that's what you came to tell me you could have saved yourself a jerk [Music] it's not like you to give up can I do anything to help I don't give a [ __ ] away help it is personal now [Music] [Music] you have to get away shoo you humiliated you think that kind of ignores where would I go well you've got lots of friends everywhere now we could go back to America what would I do in American you have to mean I can't run gosh where is my home years ago Wilson said to me she was the one and I said yes and you are today scareder but it doesn't have to end there he is Regina can't you see we can't lose you now so you want to be a mother instead you want them to kill you listen to it Stephen history you could go to heal or self a low or back to America make some money speaking would that be so bad look if assassinating me would put an end to the gunman it might be worth even that if a messenger came down from heaven and guaranteed that my death would strengthen our cause it might be worth it yes but it's not with big funerals that we're going to save the Amazon I want to live I want to live you should i co you have to leave you have to go now wait you're going to me you and me we're the kind that go down fighting right don't get it with the world fire [Music] [Music] [Music] to be George all right everyone come inside it's close enough and Sandino mama and look what I carved for Elenita he has his feet on backwards and he's riding on a pig who is it that's good oh yeah that's right is he too thick too much the forest he counters from the Jacqueline thank you of course it's true and when your brother is a little older you tell him all about croupier promise me [Music] now please again why well because if you help us defeat the road you're helping yourself I hate watching myself on television when I came here I had watching my heart liar I look all negative my members their job you are for our children if you have to do that then the rainforest will be there for you I know you're going to load before you the run shutting down dream [Music] an internationally-recognized defender of the Amazon forest has been murdered in Brazil by unknown gunmen Mendes was shot to death behind his house his murder brought worldwide attention to the quality fall for this is news from the BBC the death of Chico Mendes has caused the Brazilian government to temporarily halt later tearing and burning in western Amazonia on March 12 1990 the Brazilian government decreed the 2.5 million acres around cash shredder would be protected forever by law from all cutting clearing and burning it is called the Chico Mendes reserve [Music] Genet CEO testified against darli alves and his son there were sentenced to 19 years in prison after serving only three years they escaped and are still at large nearly half of the world's tropical rainforest has been destroyed every 10 minutes we lose an area the size of Central Park every day we lose an area the size of norm each year an area the size of England Scotland and Wales is destroyed at the peak of the burning the Amazon was covered by a smoke cloud the size of India 70% of plants identified as having cancer-fighting properties are found in tropical emergence of AIDS and other deadly viruses appears to be a natural consequence of the ruin everyone who by only 50 species are destroyed by default burning of forests in Brazil is expected to raise the global thermostat 3 to 8 degrees greenhouse effect could lead to the melting of the polar ice cap and the flooding of the world's major coastal cities [Music] and then our home before us but we have work to do [Music] [Music] you [Music] [Applause] [Music] the [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Oh [Music] [Music] you

Transcript for:Chico Mendes' Fight for Rubber Tappers' Rights

Transcript for:
Chico Mendes' Fight for Rubber Tappers' Rights