ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Indigenous leader Raoni accuses filmmaker Jean-Pierre Dutilleux of withholding funds from joint projects

other · 2026-04-20

Raoni Metuktire, the chief of the Kayapo, has accused Belgian filmmaker Jean-Pierre Dutilleux of failing to allocate funds raised through their joint efforts for community initiatives. An investigation by the Associated Press confirmed Raoni's assertions regarding unreceived payments from various European tours, films, and publications. Dutilleux refuted these accusations, claiming he has never handled the funds and suggesting that Raoni's allegations stem from his advancing age. Their collaboration dates back to 1971, when Raoni rescued Dutilleux, leading to the 1978 Academy Award-nominated documentary 'Raoni: The Fight for the Amazon.' Earlier this year, they showcased Dutilleux's film 'Raoni: An Unusual Friendship' at the Cannes festival. Dutilleux has previously encountered financial disputes, including issues with Sting, yet he insists on his innocence.

Key facts

  • Raoni Metuktire accuses Jean-Pierre Dutilleux of withholding funds from joint projects
  • Allegations involve money raised through European tours, films, and books about the Kayapo
  • Dutilleux denies having access to any raised funds
  • Their partnership began in 1971 when Raoni saved Dutilleux's life
  • Their 1978 documentary 'Raoni: The Fight for the Amazon' was nominated for an Academy Award
  • They appeared together at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival
  • Dutilleux previously had financial disputes with Sting and the Rainforest Foundation
  • Similar allegations have been made by Sydney Possuelo and Alexis de Vilar

Entities

Artists

  • Jean-Pierre Dutilleux
  • Raoni Metuktire
  • Marlon Brando
  • Sting
  • Sydney Possuelo
  • Alexis de Vilar

Institutions

  • Associated Press
  • Academy Awards
  • Cannes Film Festival
  • Rainforest Foundation
  • FUNAI
  • Tribal Life Fund

Locations

  • Amazon
  • Brazil
  • Belgium
  • Europe
  • Cannes
  • France

Sources