Defenders of the Forest is a documentary currently in post-production. It brings together five years of footage captured by Amplifier Films, beginning with the first forest blockade of this decade in Nitaskinan— which means “our land” in Atikamekw — in 2021.

The film follows Innu and Nehirowisiw (Atikamekw) land defenders from across the region — including Manawan, Wemotaci, and Mashteuiatsh — as they rise to protect their forests, waters, and ways of life.

We have captured powerful moments of logging road blockades, confrontations with logging workers, and loggers caught in the act of cutting trees, as well as railroad blockades. These frontline actions are rooted in love for the land and a deep commitment to defending ancestral territory.

At the heart of the story is MAMO, a coalition of different Indigenous nations that formed in response to Law 97, which threatens to criminalize traditional land use and restrict freedom of movement. In both Innu and Nehirowisiw languages, MAMO means “together.” The coalition stands in defense of their unceded, unsurrendered territory and asserts their inherent sovereignty.

Defenders of the Forest is more than a film — it’s a resource. It’s being made so communities can download it, organize screenings, and use it to raise funds for the camps and organizations defending the forest.

Your support helps us cover direct filming costs — including gas, food, and field expenses — and essential post-production work such as sound mixing and color correction.

Help us tell this important story.