MATO GROSSO
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©2024 Valley of the Forgotten Development Fund, LLC
About the Filmmaker
“I began working on the story that is the centerpiece of this film in 2014. My connection with John Carter dates back to 2010 when, as a photographer based in Africa, I learned about John through my grandfather. He used to be John's dentist in his youth, and our families were friends in San Antonio. My grandfather shared a story from the TCU Magazine about John and his wife Kika's activities in the Amazon, inspiring me to reach out to him. Through a friend in Austin, I managed to contact John, discovering that reaching him was a unique challenge involving short-wave radios.
This initial contact marked the start of a profound friendship spanning 13 years. Since 2014, I've accompanied John on six trips to Mato Grosso and the Xingu, living with the Kamayurá tribe. These experiences, from late-night talks in Kamayurá villages to encounters with the Xavante tribe and wildfires with the "Indio Bravo" firefighting force, have shaped my perspective. Despite challenges like severe salmonella poisoning and staying in a village where a jaguar had recently attacked, the allure of the country and its people kept drawing me back.
Reflecting on these experiences, I realize I've become the conduit for John's story. My purpose in these journeys was clear—to bring his narrative to life in a way only I could. “
- Tito West
Website: titowest.com