Heidi Brandenburg Sierralta & Mathew Orzel's award-winning documentary explores the growing Peruvian conflict over the Amazon.

Most Americans are probably familiar with the threats the Amazon region faces against countries and businesses looking to extract resources, but few probably understand just how greatly the region is embattled in conflict over this issue. That’s all about to change with the upcoming documentary “When Two Worlds Collide,” which plunges viewers straight into the middle of an escalating battle between those who want to use the Amazon for its resources and those who want to protect it.

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Directed by newcomers Heidi Brandenburg Sierralta & Mathew Orzel, “When Two Worlds Collide” centers around two opposing Peruvian leaders who want desperately to keep their respective goals intact. President Alan Garcia wants his country to enter the world stage, and he sees the extraction of oil, minerals, and gas from untouched Amazonian land as a major way in doing so. He’s met with resistance from indigenous leader Alberto Pizango, who’s growing army of protestors leads to a tense war of words between the two sides.

Featuring interviews and unprecedented access to the region, the documentary powerfully explores both sides of the divide, forcing the viewer into a tricky debate about a country’s commitment to progress versus its dedication to its indigenous lands. The film won the World Cinema Documentary, Special Jury Award for Best Debut Feature at Sundance earlier this year.

“When Two Worlds Collide” opens in NYC at Film Forum on August 17. Watch the exclusive trailer below:

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