Volunteers flaunt their experiences on social media and portray themselves as 'heroes' who are 'saving' underprivileged villagers. It reinforces stereotypes, images of differences and unequal power relationships between the volunteer and the host community.The "hero" (called eco-warriors) dance/prance around, lamenting the invisible "foe" (some unidentified palm oil company), without any in-depth knowledge of the issues at hand. The result is a sing-along of spoiled brats that pursue shallow solutions to a very complex issue.Today, several years later little has changed for the local communities. Despite repeated promises to make a difference from the eco-warriors. ("we'll be watching from the sky")#EndHumanitarianDouchery

This documentary has a very long and slow beginning and took a fair bit to get into the documentary but the overall quality of this film is great. It's heart warming and very educational. It really makes you think about how little people care about forests and it's inhabitance. The story of these 15 young people in the jungles of Borneo for 100 days is very inspiring and interesting. First watching this I did not think it would be a topic i'd get into but later finishing it opened my mind up. The documentary makes the audience want to speak up and do something about the global challenges we face. I recommend anyone looking to become educated on the topic or those interested in global challenges to watch this documentary.

"Rise of the Eco Warriors" offers a unique way of viewing the deforestation issue in Borneo which is a current and very pressing issue. The whole project as well as the film is quite technology-oriented, which resonates well with or engages a contemporary audience. The structure of the documentary is admirable, as each member of the audience feels as if they are being taken on a journey with the young crusaders and is connected on a level that they share their wins and their losses, their celebration but also their anguish. For this reason,"Rise of the Eco Warriors" is a very moving and evocative film.The producer offers a preempted but proactive perception of the problem (deforestation in the Borneo rainforest) and, in this context, spreads awareness of the alarming statistics and the state of the environment over there, whilst giving the story momentum: There is action. There is change. There is a call to action, providing the audience with methods to become a part of the movement and ultimately the solution.I found the film extremely moving and empowering. No really! I cried during the film and then left the cinema with a strong sense of stewardship and an eagerness to help the environment (especially the situation in Borneo) that couldn't be suppressed. In short, this film will make you care, by lifting the wool from over your eyes and giving you a useful insight into the current state of the environment and how you personally can help. Every action counts! I cannot recommend this film enough and I believe that if you miss out on seeing it during its short seasons in cinemas around the world, you are missing out on an amazing opportunity that could see you become a better and more responsible citizen in our global community.Simply incredible!

Wow! I thought I knew most of what was happening around the world in terms of the conservation of our environment, the sustainability of our resources and how best to preserve and regenerate our natural treasures for future generations to enjoy.Consequently, I was pretty confident that I was doing as much as I could to assist the efforts of others in my own little world. I might have been on the right track but I definitely didn't know everything. In fact I didn't even know half the story.The Rise of the Eco-Warriors taught me, through the reactions, thought processes, and the caring nature and actions of the Eco-Warriors along with the guidance of Dr Willie Smits, what the reality actually was.As I watched the story of the forest peoples and orangutans of Borneo unfold, I was transfixed on what was shown on the screen. Literally.At first I was a curious bystander. It felt like I was on a tourist trip with a guide that was explaining what we were seeing. However as the movie progressed the reality of what I was seeing suddenly struck home as being real and not fiction. It was stark. It was shocking. It was more than tragic. It was devastating.I went through a range of emotions, such as shock, disbelief, anger, desperation, and also helplessness for the situation unfolding minute-by-minute and day-to-day on the screen in front of me. The tears I shed while watching this movie were real and I vowed right then and there to educate my family members and friends about what was happening in Borneo, and encourage them to see the movie themselves.Dr Willie Smits should be applauded and recognized for his magnificent vision as well as the brilliant work he is doing in Borneo. Without his determination, there would not have been any Eco-Warriors to share in his passion, or to help where help is needed in the villages of Borneo, or to educate communities across the world.The fact that this movie has made it to cinemas across the globe is a testament to the dedication of Dr Smits and the Eco-Warriors, as well as the work they have done and the work they are still doing. It is still very much a work in progress.Perhaps the biggest revelation I had was that I, along with most of the viewers in the cinema with me, come home each night to a comfortable dwelling that has water on tap, food chilling in the fridge and more food languishing in the pantry. We have little to worry about except for lifestyle bills that we accrue in search of our dream home/dream lifestyle/comfortable car/next holiday. We, the viewers, have no idea what it is like to live like the Eco-warriors lived for 100 days.Considering what they went through and the situation they were faced with on arrival, I believe the Eco-warriors to be among the bravest young people walking on the earth today. To be able to not only stand up for what you believe in but to then also campaign among your community for the privilege to be an Eco-warrior is huge. To actually take up the challenge after you have been selected to be in the first and final group of Eco-warriors, is outstanding. I believe that each one of the Eco-warriors worked to the best of their abilities in the conditions they were in. I doubt there are many who would rise to the challenges and tough conditions in the same selfless manner and with the same passion that the Eco-warriors in the film displayed.My first thought when I left the cinema (apart from anger at what I see as a huge deception on the part of food manufacturers) was to check the contents of my pantry, fridge and freezer. Why? I urge you to go and see the movie and hopefully, you will realize how important reading packaged food labels really is.Conserving, preserving, and sustaining our environment has always been at the fore of my personal beliefs. When I was much younger I auditioned for and was chosen to be one of the cast members for the Australian ABC-TV Earth Watch children's program in 1980. I believe this show to have been well ahead of it's time but sadly, it went largely unappreciated in 1980.When I learned about the Rise of the Eco-Warriors through Ben Dessen's passion and determination, I was very encouraged by the efforts of Dr Willie Smits and those of every one of the Eco-warriors.This movie is about the determination of one very dedicated mentor and his passionate group of young Eco-warriors. Their fervour for justice has led to many positive actions that have delivered hope to many.Congratulations to Dr Willie Smits, Cathy Henkel, the Eco-warriors and to the entire production team and staff.A magnificent movie that I have seen twice and would not mind seeing again :)