Factual

Two standout documentaries, Green Antarctica and Andes Extreme, are earning international acclaim, collecting nominations from prestigious global festivals and industry academies. These recognitions not only highlight the films’ cinematic excellence but also pay tribute to the visionary work of filmmaker and mountaineer Edson Vandeira, whose adventurous spirit and environmental advocacy continue to resonate worldwide.

Green Antarctica has been selected for the LA Film & Documentary Award, an esteemed online platform celebrating the best in independent filmmaking, and is nominated for the Cinematography & Photography Awards in London, underscoring its breathtaking visuals and impactful narrative. The film chronicles a 60-day scientific expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, where Vandeira and a team of researchers uncover ancient fossils and confront extreme weather events, offering a human and emotional perspective on climate change.

At the same time, Andes Extreme has emerged as a finalist for Best Nature Documentary Program or Series at the PRODU Awards 2024, the only industry awards recognizing excellence in Latin and Spanish-language productions, judged by over 700 professionals. The film is also nominated for Best Documentary by the Brazilian Film Academy, reflecting its resonance within the Latin American audiovisual landscape. The series follows Brazilian mountaineers Gabriel Tarso, Edson Vandeira, and Branca Franco as they embark on a demanding journey across the Andes, scaling six peaks over 6,000 meters while exploring the rich cultural heritage of remote communities.

These accolades celebrate the life and work of Edson Vandeira, whose career spanned from National Geographic collaborations to acclaimed photography and documentary projects. In 2021, his haunting photograph of the Pantanal wildfires was a finalist at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, bringing international attention to Brazil’s environmental crisis. His recent passing marks the loss of a remarkable storyteller, but his legacy lives on through these cinematic achievements.

Both documentaries are distributed internationally by ORF-Enterprise, the content sales arm of Austria’s public broadcaster.