Untouched

Director's Statement

UNTOUCHED is my first feature length documentary production. My father has had a lifelong passion for wilderness expeditions, and particularly for expeditions into tropical rain forests. Shortly after I graduated Film School, my father proposed that we document a journey, deep into the Brazilian Amazon. Our goal was to share the experience with those who would never have an opportunity to undertake such a venture, and to be left with a greater appreciation of this amazing part of our planet. The participants would be my father, my younger brother, my two cousins, and myself. The logistics and planning behind the expedition was my father’s strength. He ensured we had all the suitable equipment. This included durable inflatable boats, paddles, spare paddles, waterproof bags, cooking equipment, air pumps, water filtration, life jackets, a boat repair kit, medical supplies, insect repellent, an emergency distress beacon, tents, sleeping gear, lights, fishing rods, maps, compasses, and enough food for at least 16 days. The equipment for making the documentary included a hand held audio recorder and microphones, consumer grade video cameras, a camera drone, a laptop for editing, spare batteries and two solar charging panels. All of this equipment had to be kept dry in waterproof bags. Besides the insects, and days of padding under a tropical sun, we ran into a number of challenges along the way. The humidity, along with the rain, provided a constant aggravation to the electronic equipment. We would pack silica gel with the equipment each night, but water still found its way into cameras, causing lens fog and malfunctions. The drone didn't work after leaving Australia, and the solar panels failed to recharge our batteries. Nevertheless, we managed to record enough content to create our film. The end result is a totally authentic documentary. Nothing within our production is contrived, and we have been very particular in ensuring a totally accurate record of the expedition. The sounds of the jungle were all recorded on location using a hand-held recorder, and all the wildlife portrayed is endemic to this particular river. The expedition was not only a journey down a tropical river but also a personal journey for each of us. The isolation, and wild beauty we experienced each day, allowed us to reflect on our place in this world. As the journey progressed, our friendships strengthened, and our perspectives on life gradually changed. I hope you enjoy UNTOUCHED.