Is This the Man Who Saves the World? Dive Into the Doc!

Get ready for a wild, thought-provoking ride! Gabe Polsky's latest documentary, The Man Who Saves the World?, introduces us to Patrick Mccollum, a truly one-of-a-kind peace activist who believes he's destined to unite Amazonian tribes and save our planet.

TL;DR

• The Man Who Saves the World? is a new documentary by Gabe Polsky profiling the eccentric Patrick McCollum.
• McCollum claims to be the subject of an ancient Indigenous prophecy to unite tribes and preserve the Amazon rainforest.
• The film, which opened in theaters in October 2025, follows McCollum's mission and director Polsky's journey through skepticism and profound questions about belief.

Ever met someone who makes you pause and wonder, "Wait, could they actually be... the one?" That's the vibe you get from Patrick McCollum, the fascinating subject of Gabe Polsky's new documentary, The Man Who Saves the World?. This isn't your average environmental film; it's a deep dive into an extraordinary life, a global mission, and the thin line between conviction and delusion.

The film, distributed by Area 23a, hit select theaters like Cinema Village in Manhattan on October 24, 2025, following earlier openings on October 17, and is now rolling out nationally. If you're looking for a documentary that challenges your perception of reality and leaves you pondering long after the credits roll, then you'll want to check this out.

Unpacking the Incredible, Multi-Faceted Life of Patrick McCollum

So, who exactly is Patrick McCollum? At 75, his résumé reads like a fictional character's backstory. He’s been a Methodist, a paganist, a carnie, and even a prison chaplain. He’s designed jewelry for the Queen of England and, at one point, was recognized as a minor king in Ghana. Seriously! Director Gabe Polsky, initially skeptical, even hired a private investigator, and most of McCollum's wild claims turned out to be true or "have a basis of truth."

McCollum also recounts a near-death experience at age 15 after a motorcycle crash. He claims he went through a "tunnel of light," spoke with God, and negotiated his return to Earth to "serve" a higher purpose. Today, he’s the founder and president of the McCollum Foundation for Peace, an interfaith minister, and a recognized global strategist for conflict resolution. His charisma is undeniable, and his talents are diverse: he built his own house in the New Mexico desert (though it's still a work in progress, with no light in the bathroom and requiring a bucket for flushing!), crafted and plays a violin, paints, and even talks to plants (in English or "magical languages," he says they understand him!). Oh, and he's super passionate about making his own homemade mocha Frappuccino.

The Prophecy and a Sacred Mission to Save the Amazon

The central premise of the documentary revolves around an ancient prophecy among Amazon Indigenous peoples. It foretold that a man with a round face, blue eyes, and gray or little hair would come to unite them to save the rainforest. Four elders from the Jaguar, Anaconda, Condor, and Hummingbird tribes reportedly identified McCollum as "the one" at the 2019 Kumbh Mela in India.

McCollum truly believes this is his sacred mission. He recounts that a decade ago, these elders approached him, warning of a future where "the Amazon will be burning, the animals will be dying, the water will turn to poison," threatening all life on Earth. He sees his role not as a savior doing it all himself, but as a "peacekeeper, a connector," someone who can bring diverse parties—including Indigenous leaders and governments—to the table to listen and strategize. He points to an historic gathering he helped facilitate, where the president of Colombia met with Indigenous peoples for the first time, as a fulfillment of the prophecy.

Jane Goodall's Powerful Endorsement for Patrick McCollum

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the involvement of the late Dr. Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist. Goodall was a close friend and strong ally of McCollum, featured prominently in the documentary. She offered a powerful endorsement of his character and mission, saying, "He probably is the most extraordinary person I’ve ever met. He’s different from other people... He truly seems to have been put on this planet with a mission."

Goodall admired his "inner conviction" to save the Amazon, recognizing its global impact. She even nominated him for United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2020. While McCollum mentions having "weekly Zooms with her for decades," a slight chronological inconsistency (Zoom hasn't been around that long!), the film clearly shows their genuine bond and her deep respect for him. Goodall's presence adds significant gravitas, reminding viewers that the stakes for the Amazon are incredibly real.

"He probably is the most extraordinary person I’ve ever met. He’s different from other people... He truly seems to have been put on this planet with a mission."

— Jane Goodall, primatologist, on Patrick McCollum

Director Gabe Polsky: Our Skeptical and Relatable Guide

Director Gabe Polsky (known for documentaries like Red Penguins and Red Army) doesn't just present McCollum's story; he makes himself a central character, becoming the audience's stand-in for skepticism. He openly admits his doubts throughout the filming process, even experiencing a "spiritual crisis," wondering if McCollum was "crazy" or if he himself was. Polsky humorously compares himself to Sancho Panza to McCollum's Don Quixote.

Polsky’s journey to remote locations wasn't easy, entailing risks and financial worries (without streamer backing, he even sold tickets himself!). He even got deathly ill and vomited from McCollum’s house during filming. This personal investment and candid self-doubt make the documentary feel incredibly honest. His wry sense of humor, inherited from his mentor Werner Herzog, allows the film to explore serious topics with a lighthearted touch, always asking "What am I missing?" His willingness to push back, even getting "testy" with McCollum in a scene where tribal elders couldn't quite recall naming him in the prophecy (one was 101 with Alzheimer's, another knew McCollum by a different name), highlights the film's commitment to exploring truth and perception.

The Question Mark: Belief, Doubt, and the Bigger Picture for Humanity

The question mark in the film's title, The Man Who Saves the World?, is crucial. It’s not about definitive answers but about the journey. Polsky's film delves into what stories we choose to believe and why, the stark differences between Western and Indigenous ways of thinking, and the profound wisdom that can be found in unexpected places.

Some Indigenous voices in the film acknowledge that everyone, regardless of background, has a role to play in protecting the planet. McCollum clarifies that Western thought views prophecy as a "straight line," while for Indigenous peoples, divination and "voices speaking to them" are part of daily life. The film doesn't force you to believe McCollum's claims but invites you to consider the immense power of belief and the potential it holds for collective action. Whether you see McCollum as a genuine prophet, a charismatic eccentric, or a dedicated peace activist, his story—and Polsky's exploration of it—offers a unique, thought-provoking, and surprisingly entertaining look at humanity's capacity for hope and action in the face of global crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Man Who Saves the World? When did The Man Who Saves the World? come out? The documentary opened in select theaters on October 17 and October 24, 2025, with a national rollout underway. How long is The Man Who Saves the World? The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes (87 minutes). Who directed The Man Who Saves the World? The documentary was directed, written, and produced by Gabe Polsky, known for films like Red Penguins and Red Army. Is Jane Goodall featured in the documentary? Yes, the renowned primatologist Jane Goodall is featured in the film and speaks highly of Patrick McCollum and his mission. Sources

• Is He the ‘Man Who Saves the World’? - The Daily Beast
• ‘The Man Who Saves the World?’ Review: Thoughtful Doc Profiles, and Presses, Man Claiming to Be a Prophet - The Hollywood Reporter
• Patrick McCollum says Jane Goodall encouraged Amazon documentary - UPI
• Review: “The Man Who Saves the World?” - Screen Zealots
• Film Review: “The Man Who Saves the World?” - Awards Radar