Selva Rica Project in Peru

Peru is one of the most culturally and biologically diverse countries in South America.  But there are many threats to this diversity, whether through resource exploitation or growing urbanization.  And these threats are especially dire for native people living in Peru.  Currently some of the fastest growing economic opportunities in Peru are illegal logging, gold mining, and other types of dangerous resource extraction.  For many people this means potential jobs, but for most, these developments also mean a loss to the natural environment which is central to their cultural heritage.  

As artists and filmmakers, the best way we know how to combat these threats is through information sharing, education, cross cultural learning and progressive media. 

Generating a network of exchange between artists, local communities, and environmental activists, we are able to create high quality grassroots media that speaks to local Peruvian and international audiences alike.  Selva Rica provides a platform for progressive media and greater collaboration among artists, NGO's, academics, indigenous communities, and activists around environmental and social topics in Peru.

Selva Rica has produced a number of film workshops in Peru’s Andes and Amazon over the last 5 years.  Our most recent feature film, El Perro del Hortelano,  has received 5 international film festival awards including Best Screenplay and Best Feature Film at the UN Global Wake Up Film Festival, 2011.  El Perro del Hortelano has become a major media education tool in Peru on the topic of oil drilling and its impact on indigenous communities.  El Perro del Hortelano is also the first ever Peruvian film written and performed by an indigenous cast. The film has screened in over 25 countries around the world and has been translated into Mandarin, French, Italian, and Portuguese.

Selva Rica is now offering courses in Ethnographic Film in conjunction with the Center for Social Well Being located in one of the most cultural rich areas of the Andes; Carhuaz.  Here students will have the opportunity to learn about methods of creating participatory media.  The training will focus giving students practical field experience with the camera while encouraging creative cross cultural collaboration with indigenous community members.  To learn more click here.

In addition, Selva Rica will be offering a volunteer program in the Amazonian village of Pulcarquillo at the Brus Rubio Churay Art School for 2013.  Please contact us for more information on how you can participate at info@selvarica.com

Coming Soon 2013!

Painting in Peru

at the Brus Rubio Churay School of Art

Pucuarquillo, Loreto, Peru