"The colonial powers – we resisted. The Christians – we resisted. The lure of money – we resisted that also. We are the last keepers of Kastom, and we are few." (From the film)
A magical and moving real-life account of what happens when love stirs trouble in paradise.
Tanna is one of those unexpected hits. It's the first film shot on the Pacific island of Vanuatu, and has been shortlisted for an Oscar nomination. The script emerged over months of improvisation and living with the local community. The tribal chief, medicine man and warriors all play themselves. The story is based on actual events in the 80s. Wawa and Dain are young people from the same tribe who are in love. However, Wawa is to be married to a man from another tribe in order to prevent war. They must choose between their hearts and the future of their tribe, while the villagers struggle to preserve their traditions. This film is suffused with magic --- the stunningly beautiful nature, the extraordinary day-to-day life of the locals, the luminous young leads, and the warmth and depth of relations people have with each other and with nature will stay with you for days.
2015 VENICE FEDEORA BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, AUDIENCE AWARD (INTERNATIONAL FILM CRITICS WEEK)
Martin Butler studied Drama at Manchester University, and then Choreography and Performance at the SNDO in Amsterdam. His new media and installation work has been shown around the world. Bentley Dean made award-winning social documentaries before teaming up with Martin Butler in 2009. Their collaborations include Contact (2010) and the four-part documentary series First Footprints, about Australia's 50,000-year Aboriginal history, in 2013.
