CCTV - Mekong Alive (2010) Part 1:Deep in the Tropical Forest

This portfolio of films invites us to discover one of the longest rivers in the world, the Mekong. All along its course, from the Tibetan plateau to its mouth in the China Sea, on nearly 5.000 kilometres, this mighty river offers us uncountable enriching discoveries: the wonderful flora and rich fauna, the diversified landscapes of the Greater Mekong, the majestic mountains and wild gorges, the quiet lakes and breathtaking waterfalls.

We will discover countless temples set on its banks revealing the presence of Buddhism but above all, we will meet some of the 320 million people who live along the stream. It spreads over six countries: China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. With its abundant production of rice, fruits, vegetables and flowers, its basin has become what could be called the 'garden of the world', in comparison to Amazonia which is often called 'the lung of the world'.

Even if the countries, languages, histories, customs and nationalities are different, this river remains the undisputed economical, social and spiritual link of the region, oft called the Greater Mekong. Many colourful characters, all living on the banks of the waterway, will guide us in the discovery of the magnificent natural landscapes and traditional customs, leaving us to wonder about the imprint those natural links on the People of the Mekong. And about the environmental challenges they have to face.

Part 1: Deep in the Tropical Forest
This film offers to discover the course of the river, from its source to its delta. In a succession of spectacular images we will discover the extraordinary geographical route that the Mekong takes, from the Tibetan plateau, down the mountains of the Yunnan Province in China, then in the tropical valleys and the virgin forest of Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand before reaching the green plains of Vietnam, bursting with vital energy.

We will have a look at some ethnic groups that still live from gatherings and hunting, according to ancestral rules, even nowadays. Here, in the tropical forest, the river means Life. Here, nature abounds with wild animal species and rare plants and flowers that have to be protected. It is by discovering the rarest of them that we will understand that we face an extraordinary ecosystem, unequalled anywhere else in the world, making a huge contribution to the animal and vegetable diversity of our planet.

In Laos tropical forest well discover a whole village still praying to the Gods of Trees, and in Thailand, we will meet with a hunter who will show us how, not so long ago, wild elephant were captured (for the preservation of Asian elephants, this practice has now been forbidden). And in the South of China, we will meet with a producer of natural rubber, on the border of rain forest, capturing the elastic white milk of gum trees. Yet, modern Times bring the challenge of a necessary adaptation, and are food for much concern.

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