Ozi: Voice of the Forest follows Ozi, a young orangutan, as she navigates personal loss and confronts dark forces, particularly a merciless corporation that’s destroying her forest home. Her journey is one of reuniting with her family and fighting for justice. The film wears its environmental message on its sleeve, with no attempt to hide its political stance.
It’s worth noting the irony of Leonardo DiCaprio’s involvement as a producer, given the film’s strong environmental message. Over the years, DiCaprio has faced significant criticism regarding his own environmental impact. For instance, in 2016, he was criticized for taking an 8,000-mile trip on his private jet to accept an award for environmental work. His mega-yacht, a frequent vacation spot, reportedly burns 300 gallons of diesel fuel per hour and emits 238 kg of carbon dioxide per mile—an amount that would take a standard car two months to emit.
DiCaprio forgot to check his facts on the movie. It is shaky to say the least.
The film’s villain, Greenzar, is a palm oil company. The movie aggressively condemns palm oil, aiming to convince viewers that its production is devastating the environment, particularly the habitats of endangered orangutans like Ozi.
But in the real world, palm oil is often cited as a model of sustainability. According to Global Forest Watch, the rate of forest loss has significantly declined due to palm oil production. This is especially true in countries like Malaysia, one of the leading producers, where 83% of palm oil is now produced under strict ‘no deforestation’ guidelines.
Malaysia has made considerable efforts to protect its forests. Initiatives include the ‘Greening Malaysia’ campaign, which involves planting 17 million trees, and the creation of an 800,000-hectare orangutan sanctuary—far from the simplistic portrayal of such efforts in Ozi.
The results of these sustainability measures are evident. Over 90% of the palm oil imported into Europe is certified as sustainable, meaning it does not contribute to deforestation. This is no small feat; it is the result of deliberate efforts by governments and industries alike, driven by the global demand for eco-friendly products.
Palm oil accounts for more than half of the world’s exports of edible oils and fats, yet it occupies only 0.38% of global agricultural land. Contrary to the story presented in Ozi, palm oil is an environmental success. The film’s creators not only ignore these facts but seem intent on promoting the opposite narrative to their audience.
Perhaps those who create films for younger audiences should steer clear of contentious and complex political topics. They might do better to focus on crafting endearing characters and compelling stories, rather than getting bogged down in intricate scientific and political issues. In doing so, they could ensure that family movies remain enjoyable and free from political overtones.