Bettina Behrend: Artist, Filmmaker, Environmentalist

With tireless dedication and from the depths of her heart, Bettina Behrend co-founded the organization Rettet den Regenwald e.V. in 1986 with her husband Reinhard Behrend, an initiative that supports Indigenous peoples worldwide in protecting our precious rainforests. As the chairperson, she is not only a leader but also a passionate fighter for what our planet so desperately needs. Because saving individual areas is just a small step.

Bettina knows: It’s not enough to stop destruction in just a few areas. The true challenge lies in reconnecting people with Mother Earth – and this is precisely what she aims to achieve with her film “reEarth… Rights of Nature.” The root of the environmental crisis lies in our awareness of “separation” from nature. But we ARE nature! By connecting with each other in the great web of life, we heal both ourselves and the Earth. We transform back into earthlings and unleash the spirit of Indigenous peoples. We immerse ourselves in the strength of our ancestors – and this happens with every step we take together.

This extraordinary film is more than just a project – it is the culmination of decades of dedication, trust, and collaboration by the organization Rettet den Regenwald e.V. It took Bettina and her team on an impressive journey across three continents: Africa, Australia, and Latin America. Of course, challenges arose along the way – the pandemic, illness on-site in Ecuador, and difficulties in team coordination. Unfortunately, the film footage in Africa did not fit into the overall concept, leading to moments of doubt. But there was never despair! Time and again, she posed the profound question: Who will do it, if not you?

Thus, Bettina Behrend has brought this four-year project to a – hopefully triumphant – conclusion! Her passion and determination are truly inspiring examples of how we are all capable of changing the world and connecting with the Earth and one another.