Root Waters

Root Waters tells the powerful life story of Rafaela Moura, an EPA policy expert and Latina environmentalist whose fight for justice is deeply rooted in her childhood in the Amazon Rainforest. Growing up amidst environmental exploitation, systemic corruption, and political oppression, Rafaela witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of these forces on her community and the world’s most vital ecosystems. These early experiences became the foundation of her lifelong commitment to combating inequality and protecting the planet.

Set against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s sweeping environmental rollbacks, the documentary chronicles Rafaela’s journey as she navigates the complexities of leading policy change in the United States while grappling with her identity and the ongoing struggles of her homeland. Through candid reflections and stunning visuals, Root Waters delves into the intergenerational toll of environmental destruction and political greed, revealing how resilience and hope have shaped Rafaela’s mission to create meaningful change.

The story comes full circle as Rafaela returns to the world's most vital ecosystems in danger of disappearing to confront the painful realities of a region scarred by deforestation and exploitation, where her childhood memories clash with the destruction she now sees. Reconnecting with her roots and the people who shaped her, Rafaela discovers renewed identity, purpose, inspiring others to join the fight for justice and environmental preservation. Root Waters is a transformative portrait of survival, advocacy, and the enduring quest for social and environmental justice.

Key Team

• Producer, Writer, Creater:  Rafaela Moura brings expertise in crafting complex environmental problems into everyday storytelling. Rafaela draws from her own experience as a EPA executive juggling the American political scene and her Brazilian childhood in the Amazon Rainforest. Winner of EPA's Environmental Justice Award, Anthem Community Voices and Anthem Special Projects in Sustainability, Environment and Climate
• Co-Producer: Gladys Conde brings songwriting experience from the endangered Quechua language
• Co-Director : Pablo Gabriella, Glaciologist renowned for his climate change work and discovering ice data
• Cast: Yolanda Quispe, Quechua Park Ranger and renowned activist in the Andes region and headwaters of the Amazon river basin
• Production Company: RFM Productions based in Los Angeles is an Anthem Community Voices Award-winning production agency renowned for producing high social impact creative projects and campaigns
• Website: www.rfmproductions.org

Audience Demographics

• Age Range: 14-50
• Interests:  Policy, climate and social justice, cultural identity, Latin America developments, endangered Latin cultures, Vital eco-systems.
• Gender: Female, Male and broad appeal
• Psychographic Traits: Viewers value climate and social justice, Latin cultural identity, and stories of empowerment and rediscovery.
• Viewing Preferences: Theaters, TV, TVOD, AVOD, Cinema Release. 

Current Status

The film is halfway through the rough cut stage, and we will be  presenting it to various sales agents once we are finished. Our goal is to submit it to film festivals and try to sell the film to at least 2 countries, aiming to recover costs with the minimum guarantee from the distributors. There are a few interviews that are still in the Production Stage. We are seeking a co-executive producer to partner on funding with distribution experience in Latin America and the United States.

Selling Points

Cultural Relevance

• Engages with global conversations on political division and the climate crisis, making the film both timely and impactful.

Appeal to the Latin Immigrant Diaspora and Displacement

• Resonates with the Latin American diaspora, connecting deeply with themes of identity, belonging, and displacement across South and North America.

Visual Spectacle

• Features breathtaking imagery of vital ecosystems, endangered cultures, remote climates, culturally significant settings, and action sequences, creating a truly cinematic experience.

Powerful Female Lead

• Offers a raw and relatable portrayal of Rafaela Moura, a woman balancing the pursuit of the American Federal policy changes with her humble roots, appealing to audiences seeking female-driven narratives.

Authentic Narrative

• Tells a story rooted in real-life struggles, providing an unflinching look at the challenges of environmental activism and systemic inequality.

Inspirational Themes

• Highlights stories of discriminated women overcoming stereotypes and finding redemption through perseverance, cultural pride and storytelling.

Compelling Personal Story

• Chronicles Rafaela Moura’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings in the Amazon Rainforest to a pivotal role in shaping U.S. climate policy.

Visual Impact

• Incorporates powerful, evocative imagery 

Award Winning Team

• Anthem Community Voices Award and EPA Environmental Justice Award