NATTERER'S TREASURE

In 1817, Austrian naturalist Johann Natterer arrived in Brazil as a member of the Austrian Expedition accompanying Archduchess Leopoldina. What began as a scientific mission became an extraordinary 18-year journey across the country, resulting in one of the world's most significant collections of natural specimens and Indigenous artifacts. Preserved today in Vienna's Natural History Museum and the Weltmuseum Wien, Natterer's remarkable legacy offers an unparalleled record of Brazil's biodiversity and Indigenous cultures. As Brazil reckons with its colonial past, the film explores the enduring importance of these collections and the growing debate over the repatriation of Indigenous cultural heritage.

THE FILMMAKER

Renato Barbieri is an award-winning Brazilian filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter with more than four decades of experience in documentary, fiction, and television. Founder and Creative Director of Gaya Filmes, he has directed more than 100 audiovisual works and received over 70 national and international awards. His notable films include Atlântico Negro – Na Rota dos Orixás, Cora Coralina – Todas as Vidas, Pureza, and Servidão.

Based in Brasília, Barbieri is known for films exploring Brazilian history, Indigenous cultures, social justice, environmental issues, and human rights. His work combines historical research with compelling storytelling, bringing attention to overlooked communities and important cultural legacies. His documentary Natterer’s Treasure (Tesouro Natterer) continues his exploration of Brazil's history and cultural heritage.

AWARDS AND FESTIVALS

Best Brazilian Feature Documentary – It's All True International Documentary Film Festival, Brazil
Best Feature Film, Best Screenplay, Best Original Score – Brasília Festival of Brazilian Cinema, Brazil
CineEco – Serra da Estrela International Environmental Film Festival, Portugal
Ecofalante Environmental Film Festival, Brazil
Pan-Amazonian Film Festival (Amazônia FiDOC), Brazil
São Bernardo do Campo Film Festival, Brazil