“The Four Altars,” now available for streaming, represents a dream-life project by Peruvian singer-songwriter Alonso del Río. Through this film, del Río delivers a powerful message about protecting Mother Earth by tapping into ancestral wisdom. The movie itself is a collaborative effort among artists, producers, and activists who share a common vision: to raise consciousness. Unlike typical moralistic narratives that admonish us for not doing enough to save the Earth, “The Four Altars” takes a different approach. It weaves together art, mystery, and emotion, inviting viewers to explore a deep connection with the natural world. Within this cinematic tapestry, the tropical jungle emerges as a character in its own right, emphasizing our interconnectedness with the environment.

“Damian Alcázar, the most awarded actor in Mexico, boasts numerous national and international accolades. During our recent conversation in Mexico, he confided that this film was destined to become a cult classic—one of those rare cinematic gems that demand repeated viewings to fully grasp their profound meaning. His endorsement delighted me, especially considering his extensive filmography of over 150 movies, spanning both Hollywood and Mexican productions,” shared Alonso del Río.

The director and producer boasts a diverse range of talents and roles, including musician, writer, curandero (healer), documentalist, and conservationist. His name has transcended the borders of his native Peru, inspiring many—particularly within the realm of activism focused on protecting the Amazon rainforest and fostering heightened consciousness. In an era where materialism, desire, and power often divert humanity’s attention, we teeter on the precipice of climate change, violence, poverty, and corruption:

“In these times, the challenges we face are undeniably global. Whether it’s gold extraction in Colombia, deforestation in Brazil, Bolivia, or Peru, or the ongoing plight of the entire Amazon rainforest, similar issues persist across continents. It’s not surprising that Asia, Africa, and even the jungles of Borneo grapple with similar environmental concerns. What unites these destructive practices is a reckless, extractivist, and colonialist mindset—one that fails to account for the long-term consequences on our planet. Instead, it prioritizes immediate gains, often at the expense of nature and humanity,” expresses Alonso del Río in our online interview from Mexico to Cambodia. “Rather than focusing solely on those deeply entrenched in corruption or information manipulation, the film’s message resonates with everyday individuals. Ana Terra, the central character, embodies the aspirations of millions worldwide—an ordinary person striving for wealth and fame. Caught up in the whirlwind of her career, she remains unaware of the forces she unwittingly supports. Her boss, with direct ties to the mafia, represents the hidden complexities that shape our lives.”

The film also complements Alonso del Río’s book of the same title, published in 2017. In this work, the artist—self-described as a ceremony guide—shares his life philosophy and mission to raise awareness through sacred plants and ancestral wisdom, particularly from ancient Peru. Del Río emphasizes that the ‘Four Altars’ concept teaches us to take responsibility for our emotions as part of consciousness development. It encourages us to resist devolutionary forces that threaten our planet and species. Importantly, this approach is rooted in love and compassion, rather than hatred or negative emotions.

The project is also a support to Wiñaypaq, a non-profit association, dedicated to cultural, ecological and educational work, giving value to the teachings of ancestral cultures and promoting models of dignified and sustainable living. “It is above all an education based on emotionality, understanding that if you help heal a child’s emotions, he or she will have a better disposition to learn. On the other hand, children who live in rural areas have generally been exposed to a lot of family violence and this creates severe traumas that are then evidently reflected in their school behavior and cognitive ability. So we are committed to the issue of education about ancestral teachings,” explains Alonso del Río. One of the association’s projects is the Wiñaypaq Intercultural School, located in the Pisaq district, peasant community of Huandar, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco; where they provide free, quality initial and primary education to 80 girls and boys of Quechua and mestizo origin from different rural communities. Therefore, by watching this film you are already doing something real, without mentioning the Bahuaja Conservation Area, 132 hectares located on the Tambopata River, department of Madre de Dios in the Peruvian Amazon, dedicated mainly to the conservation of the Amazon ecosystem and related projects.