Bassunga and his men take on the treacherous forest roads, cutting down around twenty trees every few minutes. Despite being entirely illegal, the timber is trafficked to China where the demand is high.
The above is a small excerpt from the documentary that exposes the illicit timber trade in Mozambique. The situation is dire for the environment and the people involved. The documentary takes you on a journey through the dangerous world of these illegal activities.
For Bassunga and his co-workers, the road is filled with obstacles as they take down the trees. Without safety protection, they are risking their lives, all for meagre wages. The travelers, on the other hand, face their own struggles. The roads of Mozambique quickly become a nightmare, where ruts and traps must be avoided at every turn.
The night’s heavy rainfall makes the journey almost impossible, but they have no choice. The van must be loaded, or Johnny’s day will be wasted. The 100km long trail will take on the allure of an odyssey – a journey not for the faint-hearted.
This documentary exposes the harsh reality of the timber trade in Mozambique. It’s a must-watch for anyone concerned about the environment or interested in the impact of illegal trade on local people.