PAIMÎYE

A Documentary on Guyana's National Flower 

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Paimîye 

In the land of many waters, the Victoria Amazonica, or Paimîye', as it is called in the Macushi language, is Guyana’s national flower. It is a remarkable botanical wonder with deep cultural, historical, and environmental importance. This documentary investigates the importance of the Victoria Amazonica to Guyana.

We take viewers deep into the lush Rupununi region of Guyana, where the flower is protected, to the few sightings along Guyana’s coastland region, to Kew Gardens in the United Kingdom, showcasing the resilience of the Water Lily in its various habitats. From its striking flowers to its hidden root systems, the film reveals how the plant supports wildlife, inspires folklore, and relies on ongoing conservation practices for its survival. The film also tackles the common confusion in Guyana between the Water Lily and the Lotus, two beloved aquatic species in the country, tracing how that mix-up began. Through interviews with indigenous experts, scientists and conservationists, the documentary maps the story, survival and significance of Paimîye'. 

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Director
Tara Leuvina Smith

Executive Producer
Dr Tivia Collins

Co-Producer
Shanelly Wilson 

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In Partnership with
Karanambu Lodge

Funded by
The Environmental and Epistemic Justice Initiative at Wake Forest University
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Film Credits

Interviewer: Tivia Collins

Cinematography: Tara Leuvina Smith and Shanelly Wilson

Editor: Tara Leuvina Smith

Drone Cinematography:

Brian Smith of Dragonfly Drones and Geospatial Solutions (Georgetown, The Botanical Gardens, La Bonne Intention (LBI))

Shannon Holland (Karanambu Lodge)


Special Thanks:

Professor Corey D. B. Walker, Dean of Wake Forest University School of Divinity; The Environmental and Epistemic Justice Initiative at Wake Forest University; Karanambu Lodge and The Karanambu Trust; Melanie MC Turk; Edward MC Turk; Mrs Kimberly Seymour; Carlos Magdalena "The Plant Messiah"; Kenneth Mandook “Uncle Ken”; Brian Smith of Dragonfly Drones and Geospatial Solutions; Harideva Dhanesar (Hari-Kirtan-Rasa Dasa); Vibert Griffith; Dr Gyanpriya Maharaj; Nelsonia Persaud; Simon Dave; Nalissa Persaud-Lackna; Parbatie Budhu; Tiffany Daniels and Bimal Balram.

Vox Pop Participants:

Vishani Ragobeer, Michael Burnett, Shamar Semple, Khalid Semple, Christian Jiwanram, Zoey Jiwanram, Kirly Bacchus, Creig Henry and Zola Smith.

© 2026 A Leuvina Smith Production
All Rights Reserved

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