Tanna (2015)

Tanna is a remote South Sea island where filmmakers Bentley Dean and Martin Butler along with Dr. John Collee wrote the first ever Australian-made film to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. It's considered "foreign language" since it's performed almost exclusively by the Yakel, an indigenous tribe who speak their own language. The film, released in 2016, is quite an accomplishment in the sense that these native performers have no previous experience as actors and are quite convincing presenting a part of their history dating back to 1987 when the tribe faced a supreme crisis of conscience leading to a great cultural upheaval. The story revolves around two young lovers, a young girl named Wawa (Marie Wawa) and the late chief's son, Dain (Mungau Dain). The tribe promised Wawa to a neighboring and rival tribe, the Imedin; such arrangements are designed to keep the peace between the two groups. Dain seeks revenge against the Imedin as they murdered both his parents but the grandfather preaches conciliation. Things get more complicated when the Imedin attack the Yakel's shaman who is severely injured. The drama, reminiscent of the old Romeo and Juliet saga, surges after Wawa runs away with Dain, refusing to have anything to do with the arranged marriage. This occurs after she's pressured by her parents along with the women in the tribe who follow the "kastom," the spiritual customs that insist on political expediency over affairs of the heart. A good part of the film is seen through the eyes of Wawa's younger sister, Selin, who goes looking for her in a forbidden area near a volcano. Wawa and Dain consider for a short time moving in with some local converted Christians but find their customs too unnatural for their tastes. The narrative ends tragically after the lovers realize they will eventually be caught by the Imedin who have been searching for them. They ingest poison mushrooms, committing suicide. One very good thing does come from the tragedy. The Yakel do away with the practice of arranged marriage and allow young lovers to choose their own mate. The bonus tracks on the DVD are as interesting as the film itself, showing some cast members leaving their home for the first time and attending an awards ceremony at the Venice Film Festival where they are feted by an adoring group of cinephiles. Even more fascinating is when the entire tribe sees the completed film for the first time on their home turf, with the film projected on a giant white sheet in their village ensconced within a jungle clearing. The Yakel come off as a healthy bunch where partial nudity is seen as completely natural. The film's scenarists' adoration for the tribe leads to a rather uncomplicated view of the principals but there are enough idiosyncrasies in each character to keep one's interest. The story features some suspense at film's end as we care to learn the fate of the doomed protagonists. Tanna may not have a complicated plot but the presentation of the material by non-actors is an impressive achievement.

That does not mean: A Disney cartoon for toddler and parents. Rather for a mature audience who knows about other civilizations. Not in space, but at remote places and during Paleolithic.This film contains a rare combination of different themes: - the Romeo and Juliette drama - an ethnographic study, although it remains or must remain superficial, such that one seems to understand the cultural issues, which can hardly be possible in reality. - a nature film, with the primeval forest and a volcanic landscape as background - an escape/pursuit film (alike FIGURES IN A LANDSCAPE, but without helicopter)Also important the depiction of living in tribes which was also our common style during most of the time of the existence of humans. For the fugitives, a window of opportunity is opened once they meet Christians. So we get instructed which role a common belief like a universal religion has in the formation of big societies.

This movie is wonderfully shot, giving you a taste of life at Tanna. I wanted to watch this movie to better understand people on this island after I read autobiography of John Paton, a missionary to Tanna. I am a bit disheartened by portrayal of Christians in this movie as some kind of weirdoes. And when the chief said that they though off the colonial powers, money, Christians etc., he did not mention this cannibalistic tribe, robbed, ransacked, killed and ate missionaries who brought medicine, written language, hope and so much more to the people of Tanna. The Christian church was built on their blood and bones that are still there in the ground of Tanna. But that would, of course, take away from the main story of love, which is very beautiful and touching. I thought I would write about something that I felt was unjustly treated in the movie. Great movie. I wholeheartedly recommend.

I was lucky enough to see this amazing movie in Vanuatu in March. I am frustrated that this movie is not widely available in the US and you can not buy the DVD here. This movie is beautiful. You are transported to another culture dealing with the universal issues of love, family and community norms. What is even more amazing is the actors are not trained actors but villagers. They do an excellent job.The movie is visually stunning. Shot in Vanuatu on location with an active volcano in the background adds to the emotion.Hope others in the US get the opportunity to see this.