The Forest Knows is a photographic project by Nicoló Lanfranchi that tells the extraordinary story of the Asháninka people, inhabitants of the village of Apiwtxa, located in the Acre region of the Amazon (Brazil). At the centre of this visual tale is the figure of Benki Piyãko, a shaman and environmental activist, who together with his brothers led an incredible forest reforestation project, planting millions of trees and regenerating territories once devastated by deforestation.

Lanfranchi’s work – presented at the Yeast Photo Festival – documents the resilience and wisdom of the Asháninka and their innovative vision to preserve culture and territory. Under Benki’s leadership, the village of Apiwtxa has achieved food self-sufficiency, maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and modernity. This process has not only involved the local community, but has attracted the attention of international organisations, celebrities and citizens from around the world, who have helped support the mission to defend the Amazon rainforest.

Lanfranchi’s images capture the spiritual strength and determination of a people fighting for their survival and that of the planet. This photographic project thus becomes a powerful invitation to reflect on our relationship with nature, the urgency of combating deforestation and the crucial role that indigenous peoples play in the conservation of global ecosystems.

From Planet to Plate
Quello che il piatto non dice
Nicolò Lanfranchi’s photos will be on display at Yeast Photo Festival (19 September – 3 November, Matino and Salento).