Watch The Grandfathers

"The Grandfathers" is a documentary that tells the story of the murder of five Christian missionaries by an isolated tribe in the Amazon jungle of Ecuador. The murders occurred in 1956, and the film follows the journey of three of the missionaries' grandsons, as they travel back to the jungle to meet with the tribe and seek forgiveness for the death of their family members.

The three men - Jesse Saint, Justin Gross, and Steve Saint - all have different connections to the events that took place in 1956. Jesse is the son of Nate Saint, one of the murdered missionaries, while Justin and Steve are the sons of two other missionaries who were killed in the same incident. Ginny Saint, the daughter of Nate Saint, also appears in the film.

The documentary contains a mix of interviews with the three men, as well as footage from their trip to the jungle. The journey is an emotional one - the men are visibly moved as they meet with members of the tribe, who have long been painted as savages by the media. They bring gifts and share stories of their loved ones, and the tribe responds with warmth and openness.

The film also delves into the history of the Waodani, the tribe that killed the missionaries. We learn about the violence that characterized their way of life, as well as the events that led up to the murder of the missionaries. The men who carried out the killings are interviewed, and we hear their perspective on what happened.

The theme of forgiveness is central to the film. The grandsons are seeking forgiveness from the tribe for the actions of their family members, but they also talk about the need for forgiveness within their own families. The loss of their fathers has had a profound impact on all three men, and they describe how difficult it has been to move forward. The trip to the jungle is part of that process of healing.

Overall, "The Grandfathers" is a well-crafted and thought-provoking documentary that addresses complex issues of history, culture, and forgiveness. It offers a unique perspective on a tragic event that has been the subject of much scrutiny over the years, and it does so with a sensitivity and respect for all parties involved.