Your Everyday Heroes of Costa Rica
Directed by Hernán Salcedo
WARNING – This review contains spoilers
Hernán Salcedo’s Your Everyday Heroes of Costa Rica offers a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of four extraordinary individuals—Jeremy Levine, Tracey Lemon, Vernon Arias, and Che—who have dedicated themselves to wildlife conservation in Costa Rica. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Costa Rica’s lush landscapes, this short documentary explores the efforts of these unsung heroes who not only protect endangered species but also educate the next generation on the importance of preserving our planet’s biodiversity.
From the start, Your Everyday Heroes of Costa Rica feels more than just a documentary; it’s a call to action. I couldn’t help but be inspired by the compassion and dedication of these everyday heroes. Their work with organizations like Wild Sun Rescue, ASOPROLAPA, and Tambor Bay Turtles is nothing short of remarkable. Jeremy, Tracey, Vernon, and Che are not only saving animals but also ensuring that sea turtles, scarlet macaws, and monkeys have a fighting chance to thrive and reproduce in their natural habitats. The passion of these individuals shines through each moment of the film, creating a powerful sense of hope for both the present and the future.
The film excels in showing how these heroes also extend their impact beyond wildlife rescue. Through community outreach and school programs, they instill a sense of awareness and empathy in the younger generation. Watching this made me reflect on how education plays a vital role in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, making a lasting impact far beyond the immediate work of rescue and rehabilitation.
Salcedo’s direction is sincere and engaging, seamlessly weaving the personal stories of the heroes with the challenges of their missions. His camera work captures not only the beauty of Costa Rica’s landscapes but also the urgency of conservation efforts in the face of threats like habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change. The documentary is not just a showcase of heroes in action; it’s a testament to humanity’s potential to bring positive change when driven by empathy and a sense of duty to protect the voiceless creatures of our world.
Salcedo sheds light on Vernon Arias’ journey as a biologist working to reintroduce the Scarlet Macaw to the Nicoya Peninsula—a species that had disappeared from the area for an entire generation. Through years of dedication, Vernon achieved successful nesting in captivity, leading to the bird’s return to the skies of Nicoya. His work not only represents a triumph of conservation but also a beacon of hope for the children who now understand and advocate for the preservation of their local ecosystem.
Hernán Salcedo’s deep passion for storytelling is evident throughout Your Everyday Heroes of Costa Rica. Born and raised among the museums of Caracas, Salcedo discovered his calling early, transitioning from poetry to filmmaking. His cinematic journey has taken him from backpacking across Latin America to working with major productions and winning accolades in Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Cuenca. His ability to capture the essence of people and places is apparent in every frame, making Your Everyday Heroes of Costa Rica both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
Your Everyday Heroes of Costa Rica is a beautiful celebration of the human spirit and nature, wrapped in a sincere and uplifting narrative. It’s not just a film—it’s a movement, inspiring us all to find our own way to make a difference, no matter how small. I hope this is just the beginning of a series that continues to spotlight everyday heroes, sparking a chain reaction of compassion and action worldwide.
