Leonardo DiCaprio releases 'Yanuni' free to mark World Amazon Day

Leonardo DiCaprio has released his latest documentary, Yanuni, for free on YouTube, a rare move from a major Hollywood star.

The nearly two-hour film, which was shortlisted for this year's Oscars, was made available on September 5 to coincide with World Amazon Day, an event that raises awareness about protecting the Amazon rainforest.

DiCaprio, a longtime environmental advocate, served as a producer on the film, which follows an Indigenous leader from the Amazon as she transitions from activism into a government role focused on Indigenous rights. She is also seen balancing personal challenges besides her advocacy work.

The film's director expressed gratitude for DiCaprio's decision to share the documentary widely, emphasising that the story reflects broader global concerns about protecting the environment, especially the Amazon's role in supporting the planet's overall ecosystem.

Yanuni premiered last year at the Tribeca Film Festival and has since received recognition at numerous film festivals worldwide.

DiCaprio himself has remained active in environmental advocacy for decades, having founded his own foundation in the late 1990s to support global conservation and renewable energy efforts. He has also helped produce other environmental documentaries in the past.