Nicola Paparusso unveils new documentary Whispers of the Earth, inspired by Indigenous prophecy

Nicola Paparusso, the Italian cultural executive who founded African Fashion Gate and manages international film stars and global influencers including Khaby Lame, is moving from the success of his recent documentary, Anime di Coraggio, to focus on the global climate crisis with his next project, Whispers of the Earth.

Directed by Marc Tiley (director of Ancient Apocalypse, a Netflix documentary series), produced by Georgina Lightning (director of Older Than America, an American suspense film), and starring Woodland Cree descendant Gerald Auger, the film represents a radical shift, positioning indigenous prophecy as a model for humanity’s future.

Paparusso Communication, the film production company of Nicola Paparusso and Axel Paparusso, along with Ben Clayton of 4 Directional Studios and Tribal Alliance Productions, is collaborating with director Marc Tiley and protagonist Gerald Auger (a Woodland Cree descendant) on the film, which is described as an “engaging fusion of nature documentary, cultural commentary, and spiritual awakening.”

Whispers of the Earth revolves around the idea that indigenous prophecies offer a “fundamental, overlooked blueprint for humanity’s future.” To ensure authenticity, the Paparusso’s are making a radical filmmaking choice, prioritizing Native languages over English.

The film aims to “break that cycle” of Indigenous history being told through a colonial lens. Nicola Paparusso confirms the vast scope of the project: “The film will feature community members, knowledge keepers, spiritual leaders, and a range of experts, as Gerald Auger travels across north America to meet people from the Cree, the Lakota, the Hopi, the Navajo, the Apache, and more.” Where possible, the film will be spoken in native languages, such as Algonquian and Siouan, with translators conveying the full, nuanced meanings.

The lineup of featured voices is stacked with authority and star power, including contributions from Oscar-winning actor Wes Studi (Cherokee language teacher), director Georgina Lightning, Sioux activist Chase Iron Eyes, and Oglala Lakota actor Moses Brings Plenty.

The executives explained that the concept was born from a desire to address the world’s most urgent conversation, not through political posturing, but through spiritual listening.

Nicola explained the film’s evocative title: “The inspiration came from a conversation, not just with Gerald Auger, but with the land itself. I was struck by the silence. Not absence, but the kind of silence that holds memory. This project was born from listening to those whispers.” He added that after working with ministries and institutions, he wanted to “use that platform to go somewhere deeper. Whispers of the Earth is about what happens when we finally stop talking and start listening.”

Axel emphasized that the partnership with Auger was about more than just a role: “We weren’t looking for another film, we were looking for meaning. The inspiration came from witnessing the strength of people who never stopped protecting their culture, even when the world told them to disappear.” The producers stated that the documentary’s integrity is inseparable from its lead, Gerald Auger, a decision rooted in cultural necessity.

Nicola asserts: “Gerald wasn’t just the right fit, he was the only fit. This project needed someone who could carry more than a role. It needed someone who embodied the story, who lived the truth we were trying to honor.” He notes the impact of Auger’s authenticity on the creative process: “Gerald brings ceremony into the creative process. And that changes everything. He didn’t just elevate the film, he grounded it. Without him, Whispers of the Earth wouldn’t have had a soul.”

Axel pointed to the lead’s commitment to his community: “What struck us was Gerald’s integrity. He’s not here for the spotlight, he’s here to protect something sacred. He wanted to make sure the culture, the teachings, and the elders were respected.”

On the film’s difficult message, the executives agreed that success is measured by emotional impact, not simply data delivery. Nicola concluded: “Our goal was never to speak for Indigenous people. It was to create a space where their truth could be honored, unfiltered. Gerald brought that truth. The land brought that truth. We just had to listen carefully enough and then get out of the way.”

Whispers of the Earth explores the idea that ancestral teachings could serve as an essential resource for contemporary understanding and living. The release date is yet to be confirmed, as Whispers of the Earth is currently in post-production.