Yanuni

Richard Ladkani

Yanuni is a cinematic portrait of Juma Xipaia, an Indigenous chief from the Brazilian Amazon who rises from a remote village to the frontlines of climate justice. After surviving six assassination attempts, she is appointed Brazil’s first Secretary of Indigenous Rights—while her husband, a federal IBAMA agent, leads dangerous operations against illegal gold miners. As Juma navigates political power, growing threats, and impending motherhood, she is forced to confront the personal cost of resistance. At once intimate and epic, Yanuni is a powerful story of Indigenous sovereignty, love, and the urgent fight to protect the planet we call home.

Austria, Brazil, USA, Canada, Germany 2025, '112

DIRECTOR: Richard Ladkani

CAMERA: Richard Ladkani

MONTAGE: Georg M. Fischer

MUSIC: H. Scott Salinas

PRODUCERS: Anita Ladkani, Richard Ladkani

FESTIVALS & AWARDS:

São Paulo IFF (2025): Best International Documentary
International Documentary Association (2025): Special Mention - Best Feature Documentary
DOK Leipzig
Tribeca FF
Mill Valley FF
Sheffield IDF
Palm Springs IFF
Porto/Post/Doc
SCAD Savannah FF

Richard Ladkani

Richard Ladkani is an internationally acclaimed filmmaker whose bold documentaries tackle some of the planet’s most urgent and complex crises—from environmental destruction and wildlife trafficking to Indigenous rights and political corruption. With around fifty films to his credit as either director or cinematographer, his work spans continents and cultures and is defined by immersive storytelling, visual precision, and a deep commitment to purpose. His films include Sea of Shadows (National Geographic/Disney+) and The Ivory Game (Netflix)—both executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. Sea of Shadows won the Sundance Audience Award, while The Ivory Game was shortlisted for the Academy Awards in 2017. His body of work also includes Jane’s Journey, an acclaimed portrait of Dr. Jane Goodall that was theatrically released in over 40 countries and shortlisted for the Academy Awards, and The Devil’s Miner, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. In 2023, he served as Series Director on Arctic Ascent, a climate-focused expedition series for National Geographic/Disney+. Fluent in five languages, and known for both directing and photographing his films, Ladkani builds deep trust with his subjects, allowing for rare access and emotionally resonant storytelling. In 2015, Richard and his wife Anita founded Malaika Pictures, a production company dedicated to cinematic, impact-driven storytelling.