Experiencing Interruptions?

Onanya

In the verdant, lush jungles of the Amazon, a tribe of indigenous people has lived in harmony with their surroundings for millenia. The Shipibo tribe have learned the secrets of the earth, honing their knowledge to transform the native flora into powerful medicines that can cure any sickness.

But their peaceful existence is threatened. The outside world has discovered the valuable treasures of their land - the rich minerals, the unique wildlife, and the breathtaking landscape are all at risk. As the knowledge grows, so does the threat of an ancient culture dissolving. The tribe must fight to protect their way of life and preserve the centuries-old knowledge of their healing practices.

Caught between tradition and progress, the battle between the tribe and those who seek to exploit their land is a crossroads that will shape the future of the Shipibo tribe.

  • Paris Tume
    Director
  • Paris Tume
    Producer
  • Paris Tume
    Cinematographer
  • Dennis McKenna
    Key Cast
  • Amanda Feilding
    Key Cast
  • Wade Davis
    Key Cast
  • Ben De Loenen
    Key Cast
  • Luis Marquez-Pinedo
    Key Cast
  • Genaro Marquez-Pinedo
    Key Cast
  • Rosa Pinedo-Vasquez
    Key Cast
  • Feliciano Marquez-Pinedo
    Key Cast
  • Adelina Marquez-Pinedo
    Key Cast
  • Gilberto Picota-Lopez
    Key Cast
  • Nick Smith
    Music
  • Kristin Tieche
    Editor
  • Leo Candian
    Colour Grade
  • Luis Tamani
    Visual Artists
  • Mauro Reategui Perez
    Visual Artists
  • Bill Chesley
    Sound Design
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Human Rights, Environmental, Psychedelic Research, Indigenous Voice, Cultural Preservation, Youth Empowerment
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 3 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 11, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Peru, Spain, United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English, Other, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    4k - Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Budapest Movie Awards
    Budapest
    Hungary
    November 6, 2022
    Hungary
    Honorary Mention
  • Cork Film Week
    Cork
    Ireland
    May 1, 2023
    Ireland
    Official Selection
  • Luleå International Film Festival
    Lulea
    Sweden
    June 21, 2023
    Sweden
    Winner
  • London Director Awards
    London
    United Kingdom
    Selection
  • Multicultural Film Festival
    Australia
    Australia
    Australian Premiere
    Selection
  • The Psychedelic Film and Music Festival
    New York City
    United States
    October 21, 2023
    USA Premiere
    Winner
Director Biography - Paris Tume

Paris is a dynamic and passionate film director who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. Rising from humble beginnings, Paris found his passion for storytelling through various forms of media like documentary, TV, and music. With his incredible talent and hard work, he has built a reputation as one of the most creative and innovative storytellers of his time.

Paris was born in London to a family of creative thinkers. He was exposed to art, music, and psychology at a young age, kindling his interest in audio and visual storytelling. As a teenager, he started experimenting with documentary film-making, creating films that shed light on social issues and human interest topics. His talents quickly gained recognition, leading him to be recognised by major TV networks.

As Paris's career progressed, he began working on music videos with famous musicians and entered in the world of DJing and audio production, playing in clubs and festivals around the world, including UK, Ibiza, Germany and Australia.

Today, Paris is able to bring together his love of music and documentary storytelling with social issues and cultural observation. Experiencing the ultimate connection through a journey of film, music and travel, weaving human connections one adventure at a time.

It isn’t just about making content for Paris, his purpose is to challenge the status-quo and make a positive impact on the world. Paris needs to be of service to others in order to be fulfilled, opening the eyes and hearts of people to reveal the beauty of the world and the unlimited potential for all humans and species to thrive.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The story of Onanya is a testament to the power of cultural preservation and community empowerment. Through the voices of the indigenous Shipibo people, a remarkable opportunity emerges to not only shed light on their vibrant way of life, but also to honour and support the growth of the Shipibo community.

As filmmakers, our role was not merely to capture moments on camera, but to listen and learn from the wisdom and experiences shared by the Shipibo people. We approached this documentary with utmost respect, recognising that we were entrusted with a significant responsibility—to amplify their voices while staying true to their values.

While the allure of creating dramatic tension in storytelling was tempting, we consciously chose a different path. We understood that this was an opportunity to depict the real issues faced by the community, showcasing their resilience and unwavering spirit. We strived to strike a delicate balance, portraying the challenges while illuminating the inherent beauty of the family and the broader culture they represent.

Crucially, this documentary was not a unilateral endeavour. It was a collaborative effort, shaped and guided by the indigenous community themselves. Their insights and perspectives were central to every decision made during the filmmaking process. By embracing their guidance, we aimed to ensure that the film was an authentic representation of their heritage and a means to preserve their way of life in harmony with the land they hold dear.

Through the lens of Onanya, we witness a narrative that transcends the screen—a story that inspires viewers to appreciate the importance of cultural diversity, the strength of unity, and the profound connection between humans and their environment. It is a call to action, urging us all to support and protect indigenous communities, honouring their knowledge and wisdom, and nurturing the rich tapestry of cultures that make our world so vibrant.

Let Onanya be a source of inspiration for us all, encouraging us to engage with communities, to listen, and to amplify the voices that need to be heard. Together, we can foster a future where cultural heritage thrives, where traditions are cherished, and where harmony with the land is not just a dream, but a living reality.