Join us at the Heard Museum for a special screening of the 2017 documentary ‘The Guardians,’ directed by Emmy-nominated Ben Crosbie and Tessa Moran, scored by Calexico.
This visually stunning film explores the delicate balance between humans and nature, intertwining the story of the threatened monarch butterfly with an Indigenous community’s efforts to restore their nearly destroyed forest. As the monarch population plummeted from 1 billion to 33 million in just two decades, the community of Donaciano Ojeda faced challenges to sustain their ancestral lands, now part of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
Through the eyes of Santos, a charismatic avocado farmer, and Aristeo, a philosophical tree caretaker, the film reveals their struggles against internal divisions, illegal loggers, and the passage of time. Shot over three years, ‘The Guardians’ offers an intimate look at a community on the front lines of conservation.
Heard Museum members enjoy early access to seating! Members can enter 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. General access begins 15 minutes before.
This screening is the last feature of our 3-part Summer Film Series showcasing captivating films that highlight contemporary stories that are rooted in Indigenous tradition. Enjoy fresh popcorn, lounge on oversized bean bags, and an air-conditioned auditorium with theater quality sound! Find out more about these films by visiting the events page on heard.org.
*We highly encourage you to bring your own blankets and lounging chairs. Members will receive preferred seating (early admission) for this event. Food and drinks ARE permitted inside the Steele Auditorium so stop by the museum’s Coffee Cantina for a refreshing prickly pear lemonade, coffee, pastries, and other yummy snacks.