🎬 Patrol (Camilo de Catro & Brad Allgood, 2023)

Camilo de Catro, Brad Allgood | 2023 | Nicaragua, USA | 84’ | EN subtitles

Patrol is a character-driven documentary that follows communities on the frontlines of an intensifying environmental conflict in Nicaragua. On one side, the Rama Indigenous people, in alliance with the Afro-descendant Kriol community, are fighting to stop illegal cattle ranchers from destroying the virgin rainforests of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve.

Armando John, a quiet but brave young man, Margarito, a philosophical father of six, and Rupert Allen Clair Duncan, a leader within the territory, form part of a Forest Ranger squad. They have teamed up with Christopher Jordan, an American conservationist. Christopher came to the Indio Maíz Reserve to study how local cultures interact with wildlife and quickly fell in love with the generosity of the Rama and Kriol people and the incredible beauty of the Reserve.

Interwoven into the narrative is the story of Carmen and Chacalin—illegal cattle ranchers who have moved deep into the jungle. They have deforested a large parcel of land in order to bring in cattle and are helping other families invade the Reserve. While on an expedition to confront illegal ranchers, the Rangers discover a large cattle farm deep inside their territory. An unknown but wealthy rancher has deforested 400 acres and moved in 80 young bulls, all with ear tags and branding. Teaming up with undercover Nicaraguan journalists, the Rama and Kriol discover the rancher’s identity —and his connection to the government— and launch a coordinated campaign to remove him.