Peru's 'When Two Worlds Collide' wins special award

Paraguayan-born and Peru-raised Heidi Brandenburg and colleague Matthew Orzel, directors of Peru's "When Two Worlds Collide," won a World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Debut Feature at Sundance 2016. In the documentary, an indigenous leader resists the environmental ruin of Amazonian lands by big business. As he is forced into exile and faces 20 years in prison, his quest reveals conflicting visions that shape the fate of the Amazon and the future climate of our world.

HEIDI BRANDENBURG Brandenburg is an observer of human nature and the environment. She co-founded Yachaywasi Films to explore social and environmental issues and challenge audiences to rethink preconceptions. Her first feature-length film, "When Two Worlds Collide," expands on the signature character-driven style she developed in "Don Silva" and "Sonnemann". Brandenburg graduated with honors from the University of Wales. Born in Paraguay and raised in Peru and Germany, she now lives in Washington, DC.

MATHEW ORZEL Orzel is a documentary director and visual artist whose work focuses on the complexities of human relationships. He worked as a sound designer, editor, and director in short films before co-founding Yachaywasi Films with the goal of representing social-justice and environmental issues. Orzel graduated with honors in visual communication from the University of Wales. –CESAR ARREDONDO