Jungle 2017

In the early 1980s, an adventurous Israeli named Yossi Ghinsberg embarks on an exciting journey into the depths of the Amazon rainforest in Bolivia, hoping to explore uncharted territories and engage with indigenous tribes. While staying at an Israeli community hostel in La Paz, he befriends Marcus Stamm, a Swiss school teacher, and Kevin Gale, an avid American photographer. One day, Yossi encounters an Austrian stranger named Karl Ruprechter, who shares tales about a secretive tribe hidden deep in the jungle, claiming to be their guide.

Filled with enthusiasm about discovering the Toromonas, Yossi persuades Marcus and Kevin to join him on this quest, despite their initial reluctance. The following day, the trio meets Karl again, who surprises them by buying all the supplies for their trek, igniting Kevin’s excitement over the potential to capture rare photographs for National Geographic.

As they trek through the jungle in November 1981, they face unexpected challenges, including heavy rainfall that arrives two weeks early. Their journey leads them to a village named Asriamas, where it appears Karl has connections with the locals. After spending a night in the village, their challenges intensify—their expedition takes a toll on Marcus, whose feet are infected and sore, much to the irritation of Yossi and Kevin.

In a tense negotiation, Yossi and Kevin discuss their options, while Marcus proposes constructing a raft to expedite their journey downriver. They build the raft but encounter perilous rapids that test their resilience. When tensions arise between Kevin and Karl regarding the rafting controls, Karl opts to abandon the voyage and suggests Marcus join him back to civilization. Yossi and Kevin, determined to continue, forge ahead but soon face calamity as their raft is destroyed in the swift waters, separating them.

Alone and vulnerable, Yossi is swept away, starting a desperate fight for survival without tools or training. Struggling with his surroundings and a fierce internal battle, he fights despair as he scavenges for food, even resorting to eating raw eggs from birds. He attracts danger when a jaguar attacks, but Yossi bravely defends himself with a spray of lighter fluid. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including a troubling wound on his forehead, he summons the will to navigate through the jungle.

Meanwhile, Kevin is eventually rescued by locals and taken to Rurrenabaque, where he enlists the help of the authorities to find Yossi. Their first search via air fails, but Kevin remains hopeful, rallying local boat pilot Tico to assist him in the rescue mission. Miraculously, after being lost for 19 days, Yossi is found and brought back to Rurrenabaque, but is frail and severely malnourished.

The tale concludes with a haunting revelation about Karl, who deceived travelers for hazardous expeditions; he wasn’t just an unreliable guide but a fugitive with a dark past. Tragically, both he and Marcus vanished without a trace, prompting a dedication to Marcus in memory of his untimely end. This thrilling adventure underscores the fine line between exploration and peril in the heart of the wilderness.