As the director of Zag, my vision was to tell a story that goes beyond environmental activism and speaks to the very core of human identity and purpose. This film was born from a curiosity to understand what fuels an act as simple, yet rare in a world that questions its value, as planting trees. The journey revealed something far deeper: the resilience and hope embodied by a Xokleng family striving not just to survive but to create a better world for all of us. At its heart, this documentary is a testament to the power of legacy and purpose.

The Araucaria tree, with its unique form and history, stands as a living metaphor for the delicate balance between preservation and progress. Through the journey of Nduzi, Isabela, and Yoko, I wanted to show that the fight for nature is inseparable from the fight for our own survival and collective well-being.

By weaving together personal stories, spiritual connections, and the unshakable determination of the Xokleng, my goal was to remind audiences that planting roots today—whether literal or symbolic—holds a significance that reaches beyond immediate rewards. It’s about honoring the past and embracing the responsibility to contribute to a future that, while we may never fully witness, is worth working towards.

I hope this film goes beyond raising awareness. I want it to reveal how meaningful actions for our planet—like planting trees—grow from deep, personal journeys of self-discovery. When rooted in an understanding of one’s purpose and ancestral legacy, these actions become powerful and lasting.

I want to invite viewers to reflect on their collective responsibilities to our Earth: This film is an invitation to act, to nurture, and to protect our home. Zag is a dedication to the cycles of life and the roots that bind us together.