Amazonian tribal chief brings climate message to Oxford (From Oxford Mail)

Amazonian tribal chief brings climate message to Oxford

5:11pm Monday 23rd November 2009

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AN Amazonian tribal chief travelled to Oxford to help raise the issues of deforestation and climate change.

Amir Surui accompanied Brazilian film-maker Denise Zmekhol to a screening of her documentary about the plight of the rainforest at the Ultimate Picture Palace cinema, in Jeune Street.

The screening of Children of the Amazon was followed by a discussion with Mrs Zmekhol, Mr Surui, Andrew Mitchell, of the Global Canopy Programme, explorer John Hemming, anthropology lecturer Dr Laura Rival and artist Angela Palmer.

A sellout audience of 121 people saw the film, which is being screened at a handful of venues in the UK.

Mrs Zmekhol, who now lives in California, said: “The film is about some children I photographed in the Amazon and how I went back 15 years later to see how a big road through the forest had had an impact on three communities.”

Mr Surui, 35, who wore a feathered head-dress to the screening on Friday, said through an interpreter: “The film shows very well how the forest is being deforested — it’s under threat.

“The documentary shows the role of the forest in mitigating climate change.

“I hope the people of Oxford can realise the importance of the forest in helping climate change and how everyone has a role to play in this.”

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