Surrounded by the beautiful mountains, lakes and water systems of the Peruvian Highlands lives Máxima Acuña, a subsistence farmer who grows potatoes and raises guinea pigs. She, along with neighbouring families, have grown up understanding that land and water are integral to life and must be protected at all costs. But as a multi-billion-dollar mining project is launched by the American Newmont Mining Corporation and lays claim to the land, Máxima finds her world turned upside down: she's embroiled in conflict, forced eviction, violence and criminal prosecution. Undeterred by the intimidation, Máxima knows what's at stake. This landmark film portrays one woman's courageous journey to stand against the destruction of resources that hold far more value than gold. Her strength earned her the world's most prestigious environmental award, the Goldman Environmental Prize. Heather Haynes

Co-presented with Planet in Focus International Environmental Film Festival.

Persister program presented in partnership with OXFAM CANADA.