Missing in the Amazon: the disappearance – episode 1

In the first episode of 'Missing in the Amazon,' the story unfolds of the disappearance of journalist Dom Phillips and Indigenous advocate Bruno Pereira during a trip to the Amazon rainforest in June 2022. The episode begins with a vivid depiction of the dense and dangerous terrain of the Javari Valley, where the two men predictably went missing, triggering a sense of urgency and concern among their colleagues and families.

The narrative shifts to the day of their disappearance, where colleagues Orlando and Tataco wait for Bruno and Dom, noting their unusual tardiness. As the hours pass without sign of the pair, the worry mounts, leading to the launch of a search operation involving local Indigenous groups and authorities. Highlights of the region's dangerous environment, typically plagued by poachers and illegal traffickers, set the stage for the risks faced by the two men who aimed to protect Indigenous rights in this hostile area.

Tom Phillips, the narrator and a close colleague of Dom, shares his own emotional turmoil as he grasps the situation. The episode explores the reactions of the families of both men, revealing their hopes and fears as the digital age allows the story to reach global audiences. Tensions rise with the involvement of the Brazilian government, where political disinterest, particularly from then-President Jair Bolsonaro, complicates the search efforts. This negligence breeds a sense of distrust towards authorities, further underscored by troubling reports of local gangs who may have been behind the disappearance.

As the search progresses amidst painful uncertainty, reports of a speedboat trailing Dom and Bruno arise, sparking speculation and dread. Over time, the mood shifts from cautious optimism to a grim understanding that something sinister has occurred. Through various accounts and personal reflections, the episode brings light to the greater fight for Indigenous rights in the Amazon and establishes the groundwork for the following episodes, which promise to delve deeper into the complexities surrounding the case and its implications for the future of the rainforest.