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Latin America Professional Award 2024 3rd Place

Echoes of the Lake: The Fishermen of the Desert
Nico Muñoz
Series description

On the shores of Lake Poopó in Bolivia, an ancient culture remains resilient in the face of climate change. In early September 2023 I set out on a journey to film a documentary for the ARTE network. During my visit I witnessed the gradual drying up of the Desaguadero river, which serves as the main tributary to Bolivia's second largest lake. This drying trend has occurred in recent years due to mining, agriculture and urban expansion along its course towards a lake that now exists only in memory. In a small community on the banks of what was once their source of life, 14 families of the Uru ethnic group remain, embodying the consequences of a world that demands more and more resources to sustain an ever-expanding way of life. It is difficult to imagine a world without mining and technology, but a world without water is simply impossible.

Biography

Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, my projects demonstrate a deep concern and commitment to social issues and justice. Since I was 23 years old, I have worked as a freelancer, gathering news and features for Associated Press Television. In 2014, my academic training in documentaries pulled me away from the breaking news cycle. Today, I direct documentaries with a deeply personal approach, focusing on areas such as the environment, art, and social issues. By blending teamwork and expertise, I navigate sensitive stories that demand strong visuals, all while working within limited budgets and tight timelines. Drawing from my background in breaking media, I bridge the gap between innovative storytelling and impactful content, fueled by a deep curiosity for the world around us.

Conquered by Aridity
Conquered by Aridity
Two Uru community leaders pose on the remains of one of their fishing boats in the dwindling waters of Lake Poopó. They symbolise the resilience of a culture and community facing the harsh realities of environmental change.
Dry Echoes
Dry Echoes
An example of the numerous holes that pockmark the shores of Lake Poopó, created by the inhabitants to access water for their livestock and domestic needs. These holes tell a story of the ingenuity and challenges faced by the local community in their struggle for survival amidst changing environmental conditions.
Once a Lake
Once a Lake
Evangelino, a resident of the Desaguadero river basin, spends his days digging a well to provide water for his family and livestock, while his wife tends to the sheep.
Lake’s Last Breath
Lake’s Last Breath
After performing a sacred ritual to encourage rain, a group of families joyously returns to its village, filled with hope. They carry the weight of their collective plea to Mother Earth, seeking the revival of life-giving showers that sustain their land and way of life. Their journey home is a testament to the enduring bond between people and the natural world, echoing the timeless tradition of honouring the Earth.
Legacy of Drought
Legacy of Drought
Abdon holds a bird that once inhabited Lake Poopó. Over time he has collected numerous species and established a museum for the few curious visitors who come to the community. Here, they can appreciate the vibrant life that once thrived in the region. Abdon’s dedication serves as a reminder of the precious biodiversity that once graced the area.
Gone With the Water
Gone With the Water
Felix, the eldest of the Urus, holding a photograph of the ancient inhabitants floating on the lake in their canoes. Among them is his grandfather – a prized link to their ancestral way of life. As the photograph weaves the past into the present, Felix’s gaze carries the weight of generations, preserving the memory of a time when the lake and their traditions flourished in harmony.
Exodus From the Dying Oasis
Exodus From the Dying Oasis
Felix sustains his livelihood by crafting miniature replicas of the very canoes he once used for fishing. These smaller canoes have become more than mere souvenirs; they are a tangible connection to a culture on the brink of extinction due to climate change. Through his craft, Felix preserves a fading legacy, keeping alive the memory of a way of life threatened by environmental shifts.
Deserted Shores
Deserted Shores
Seated in what was once their traditional boat, two Urus, adorned in ceremonial ponchos, chew coca leaves and offer prayers to Mother Earth as the sun sets. In this poignant moment they pay homage to their ancestral connection with the land, seeking solace and guidance from the fading echoes of a vanishing way of life.