Can One Man Save the World?
Gaia Acquires Exclusive Streaming Rights to Gabe Polsky's The Man Who Saves the World? Executive Produced by Peter Farrelly and Danny McBride. Following a successful theatrical release by Area 23a, the critically acclaimed documentary takes audiences on an extraordinary journey into the Amazon, where Indigenous prophecy, environmental activism, and one man's unlikely destiny collide.
BOULDER, Colo., November 6, 2026 — What if someone told you they were destined to help save the world? Would you believe them? Would you follow them into the Amazon to find out?
Award-winning filmmaker Gabe Polsky did just that.
Gaia (NASDAQ: GAIA), the global streaming platform dedicated to conscious media, has acquired exclusive subscription streaming rights to The Man Who Saves the World?, directed by Polsky and executive produced by Peter Farrelly and Danny McBride, among others.
Following a successful event-based theatrical release by Area 23a, the distributor behind acclaimed documentaries including Fantastic Fungi and Heal, and earning a 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film premieres on Gaia November 6, 2026. The agreement includes an initial six-month exclusive subscription streaming window, with the film remaining available on Gaia through 2030. Spanish, French, and German versions will also be available.
At the center of the story is Patrick McCollum, an eccentric spiritual leader and peace advocate whom Jane Goodall, who also appears in the film, called “probably the most extraordinary person I’ve met.”
When McCollum becomes entangled in an ancient Indigenous prophecy suggesting he may hold the key to saving the world, skeptical filmmaker Gabe Polsky sets out to investigate. What follows is a wild, globe-spanning odyssey through Indigenous traditions, environmental activism, spirituality, and the extraordinary power of human belief.
McCollum's mission? To unite Indigenous tribes, protect the Amazon rainforest, and perhaps, in the process, help save humanity.
With humor, skepticism, and genuine curiosity, Polsky explores the space between faith and possibility in an unpredictable adventure in which the absurd and the extraordinary collide.
“I hope this film takes viewers on an unexpected adventure and leaves them looking at the world a little differently,” said Polsky. “Gaia is a natural home for a story that invites curiosity and
explores our connection to one another and the planet. I’m excited to share it with this audience.”
For Gaia, the acquisition represents its continued commitment to bringing provocative, entertaining, and thought-provoking films to audiences seeking compelling stories beyond conventional programming.
“This acquisition reflects the range of stories we want audiences to discover on Gaia,” said Kiersten Medvedich, CEO of Gaia. “We’re bringing our members compelling films that entertain and spark curiosity, while welcoming new viewers through stories with broad appeal.”
Gaia's growing collection of licensed documentary films pairs cinematic storytelling with explorations of consciousness and the human experience, connecting established members and new audiences through stories that challenge assumptions and spark meaningful conversations.
“A great documentary can pull you into someone else’s world and leave you seeing your own differently,” said Trina Wyatt, Head of Content Acquisitions at Gaia. “We’re looking for films that people want to watch and talk about. The Man Who Saves the World? is a fitting title for that approach.”
For Area 23a, the film's arrival on Gaia builds on the conversations generated during its theatrical run.
“Audiences at our theatrical events laughed, wondered, and left talking about this film, and that’s exactly the kind of conversation it was made to spark,” said Kirt Eftekhar, founder of Area 23a. “Gaia’s audience is curious and open to big questions, which makes it the perfect next home for Gabe’s film.”
At a time when environmental challenges and questions about humanity's future feel increasingly urgent, The Man Who Saves the World? offers something unexpected: an invitation to consider whether changing the world begins with believing that you can.
Whether Patrick McCollum can save the world remains an open question. Whether his extraordinary journey is worth watching is another matter entirely.
The Man Who Saves the World? Premieres November 2026, exclusively on Gaia, available at www.gaia.com and through the Gaia app.
About Gaia
Gaia is a member-supported streaming service and global community dedicated to expanding consciousness. Its programming includes original series, documentaries, films, and practices exploring personal transformation, wellness, ancient wisdom, and the unexplained. Gaia is available online and through connected devices. For more information, visit www.gaia.com.
About Area 23a
Area 23a is a leader in event-based theatrical distribution, partnering with filmmakers, brands, and mission-driven organizations to build communities around award-winning films such as Fantastic Fungi, Heal, Common Ground, and Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me. For more information, visit www.area23a.com.
About Gabe Polsky
Gabe Polsky is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and producer known for Red Army, Red Penguins, In Search of Greatness, and the Nicolas Cage-starring narrative feature Butcher's Crossing. His work explores human nature through unconventional characters, hidden worlds, and stories that challenge accepted ideas about greatness, power, belief, and meaning. For more information, visit www.gabepolskyproductions.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kelly Cutrone
People's Revolution
kelly.cutrone@peoplesrevolution.com
Katherine Espinosa
People's Revolution
katherine.espinosa@peoplesrevolution.com
Released November 6, 2026