#USA #New York City #Dax Dasilva #YANUNI #Juma Xipaia

Dax Dasilva Celebrates the Premiere of 'YANUNI' at the 2025 Tribeca Festival

On June 14, 2025, the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival showcased the world premiere of 'YANUNI,' a film that has quickly become a centerpiece of environmental storytelling. Executive produced by Dax Dasilva, the CEO and founder of Lightspeed Commerce Inc., the film captivated audiences with its profound narrative surrounding the Amazon jungle and the fierce dedication of Indigenous leader Juma Xipaia in her fight for environmental justice.

Directed by Richard Ladkani, 'YANUNI' narrates Juma's extraordinary journey from her Amazonian village to becoming Brazil's first Secretary of Indigenous Rights. Within its compelling storytelling, 'YANUNI' elegantly depicts Juma’s resilience as she faces numerous assassination attempts, all while advocating for her people and safeguarding their ancestral territory from illegal logging, mining, and colonization.

The Film's Message

As Brazil faces an escalating environmental crisis, 'YANUNI' serves as a vital reminder of the urgent need to protect the Amazon and those who live within it. The film highlights not just Juma’s personal battle but also contextualizes her struggle within broader societal and political frameworks that neglect Indigenous rights and the environment.

Leonardo DiCaprio, a producer of the film, emphasized its critical impact during his speech at the festival. He stated, "Juma's resilience and clarity underscore the urgency of protecting the Amazon. This narrative, although centered in a distant land, resonates deeply within our lives here, connecting directly to our climate, biodiversity, and overall sustainability." DiCaprio's heartfelt endorsement adds tremendous weight to the importance of Juma's story.

Dax Dasilva also spoke passionately about the film and its impact on environmental activism. He noted, "'YANUNI' showcases how film can bring to light the courage of those fighting for environmental justice. Juma embodies the leadership necessary for the survival of our planet, pushing us to be aware and active in our environmental responsibilities."

Age of Union's Commitment to Indigenous Voices

Dax Dasilva’s involvement in 'YANUNI' extends beyond just being an executive producer; he is the founder of Age of Union, a nonprofit dedicated to uniting humanity with nature. Through this organization, he supports initiatives that protect threatened species and ecosystems worldwide. Recently, $287,000 was invested into the Juma Institute, established by Juma Xipaia, demonstrating a long-term commitment to empowering Indigenous leadership and protecting their cultural heritage.

With plans to open a traditional medicine center in the Kaarimã village by Fall 2025, the Juma Institute aims to not only preserve but also share vital Indigenous knowledge. This center will facilitate education activities, community engagements, and foster an inclusive cultural space for Indigenous peoples. It is indicative of the profound dedication shown by both Dasilva’s team and Juma to enact real change and empowerment in the region.

Conclusion

The premiere of 'YANUNI' at the Tribeca Film Festival marks a significant moment in the cinematic landscape, one that shines a light on the critical issues faced by Indigenous communities and the environmental crisis gripping the Amazon. As Dax Dasilva and his collaborators continue to champion these narratives, it is clear that storytelling through film can indeed propel social change and environmental awareness.

Stay tuned for more updates on 'YANUNI' and the ongoing impact of Juma Xipaia’s inspiring story, as well as the efforts of Age of Union and their mission to safeguard our natural world.