Releasing the Giants : Saving Guyana's Endangered Arapaimas | A Reel Guyana Documentary

This film tells the story of the relentless conservation efforts from the indigenous peoples of Apoteri Village. Facing an extended drought, Apoteri’s Sports Fishing tourism, their main form of livelihood is under threat. Arapaimas, which migrate back and forth from ponds to the river during the wet season, are trapped within the forest due to low water levels that shut down their aquatic corridor. As they become extremely vulnerable in the shallow ponds, these fish become easy prey to large predators causing the eco-tourism industry of Apoteri to be at risk.

Facing a potential disaster due to extreme climate conditions, the Apoteri villagers must form a rescue team and save as many Arapaima as they can before the population is irreparably destroyed.

This film is one of determination, grit and the responsibility of a community to protect their resource for the next generation. It acts as a demonstration of the many things within our country that are worth fighting for to preserve, while simultaneously portraying the amazing people who will stop at nothing to make it happen.

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This film was made possible through the support of ExxonMobil Guyana & SBM Offshore Guyana.