Living Laboratory
Documenting Environmental regeneration and CONSCIOUS development on Panama’s Azuero Peninsula
In the heart of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula, a fragile ecosystem stands at a crossroads. Decades of deforestation, cattle ranching, and unsustainable practices have left this once lush tropical dry rainforest scarred. Yet, hope emerges from a growing rewilding movement led by local scientists, international conservationists, consious developers and grassroots efforts, offering a blueprint for global ecological restoration. All of these efforts are playing out as the area becomes a popular global tourism spot and developers flock to the area….
In early 2020, Smithsonian scientist Rolando Perez began surveying reforestation plots in a private reserve on the Azuero Peninsula. His work, paused by the pandemic, helped alert the Mangofish Studios team to a broader rewilding and reforestation movement that is reshaping both the land and the local culture. The Panamaes Reserve, as well as local initiatives like Pro Eco Azuero and nature conscious developers like Canopy Venao have become living laboratories where reforestation and sustainable practices are tested to combat climate change, restore endangered species like the critically endangered Azuero spider monkey, inspire local ranchers to adopt more sustainable methods and test a nature conscious model of human development.
Azuero’s unique climate and potential for regeneration has made it popular with a host of other scientific studies and conservation efforts. Collectively, they have turned the peninsula into a living laboratory that may hold keys to fast tracking regenerative efforts all over the world.
As these new conservation efforts flourish, the peninsula faces conflicting pressures. Increasing tourism and rapid development threaten to repeat environmental mistakes seen in other global destinations, like Tulum. But with the right approach, the region could become a model for sustainable growth that balances economic needs with environmental preservation.
Synopsis:
The environmental experiments underway in Azuero offer valuable lessons for regions worldwide grappling with climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. As tourism, agriculture, and rewilding collide, Azuero provides a case study in whether humanity can develop harmoniously with nature.
Why this Story matters
With an essential narrative for our times and production values not yet seen in the region, Living Laboratory will tell the story of the Azuero Peninsula’s transformation. We aim to shine a light on the remarkable grassroots initiatives that are proving it is possible to heal the land while benefiting local communities. This documentary captures not only a local story but a global one—how people everywhere can work with nature, not against it.
Our Vision
Production and Distribution
Produced by Mangofish Studios, the documentary will follow multiple ongoing environmental experiments through 2025. We are targeting global distribution to maximize impact, with festival premieres and potential partnerships with outlets like Netflix or Patagonia. There is a globally relevant story here and we will seek to distribute accordingly. Its the best time in history in terms of demand for this sort of content and it becomes more relevant with each passing day.
Budget and Support
With $250,000 in production costs and $50,000 allocated for marketing, we are actively seeking additional funding and partnerships to bring this important story to the world. Support from conservation organizations and film funds will be critical in making this project a success. Production partners will have film credits, logos in all marketing material and wide exposure across relevant festivals, screenings and screening platforms. Producer packages start at $25,000.
The earth has music for those who listen.
✦
The earth has music for those who listen. ✦
