An Entertaining Yet Urgent Battle: Doc Savanna and the Mountain’s Pastoral Hybrid Encounter

In Northern Portugal, the real villagers of Covas do Barroso are in a battle with Savannah Resources, a British company aiming to build Europe’s largest lithium mine in their UNESCO-protected region. Director Paulo Carneiro presents their story like a fable, casting locals to play themselves in scripted scenes and framing the struggle like a ’70s Western. The conflict, which began in 2019, is ongoing, adding urgency to the film’s narrative.

The film raises important questions about the ethical implications of mining for resources like lithium, which are essential for modern technology. The community members grapple with the decision to resist the company’s plans, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the project. Despite some shortcomings in the film’s execution, the unique approach, the topical subject matter, and Carneiro’s personal connection to the region create a compelling narrative.

As the story unfolds over the changing seasons, characters emerge, and a plot takes shape. The villagers take various actions to slow the company’s progress, including abducting workers, leading to moments of tension and humor. While some sequences may feel uneven, the film shines in its visual storytelling, with stunning cinematography and the use of non-professional actors adding authenticity to the narrative.

Premiering at Cannes and receiving recognition at the Laceno D’Oro International Film Festival, “Savanna and the Mountain” has drawn comparisons to films by acclaimed directors like Alice Rohrwacher. While it may not reach the same heights, the film’s beauty and exploration of rural life in the face of industrialization make it a compelling watch. The juxtaposition of the natural landscape with the encroaching threat of mining highlights the importance of preserving communities and traditions in the face of progress.

Overall, “Savanna and the Mountain” offers a thought-provoking look at the impact of resource extraction on local communities and the environment. Viewers are taken on a journey through the picturesque village of Covas do Barroso, where the struggle for survival and resistance against corporate interests plays out against a backdrop of natural beauty.



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