Tanna
directed by: Martin Butler; Bentley Dean, year: 2015
actors: Marie Wawa
Tanna Poster
Description:
Tanna (2015) is an Australian–Vanuatuan drama directed by Martin Butler and Bentley Dean, filmed largely with non-professional actors in the Yakel village on Tanna. It tells the intimate, boundary-blurring romance of two young lovers from rival tribes who ignore tradition to pursue a shared future. Real locations, ritual life, and a vivid volcanic backdrop give the story a documentary-like immediacy while preserving a lyrical, cinematic sensibility. The film explores love, culture, and resistance.
Keywords:
Tribal, Drama, Romance, Indigenous Cinema
What is the meaning of the word Tanna?
"Tanna" is the name of an island in Vanuatu, where the film is set. The word itself refers to the specific location that serves as the backdrop for the story, which is inspired by true events from the lives of the indigenous people living there. The film explores themes of love, tradition, and conflict within the context of the island's cultural practices, particularly focusing on the impact of colonial influence and the importance of community and family ties.
What is the ethnicity of the Tanna tribe?
The Tanna tribe is part of the indigenous Melanesian people of Vanuatu, an island nation in the South Pacific. The film "Tanna" showcases the cultural traditions, customs, and social structures of the Tanna people, highlighting their connection to the land and their ancestral beliefs. The story is set on the island of Tanna, where the tribe's way of life and their rich cultural heritage are depicted through the lens of a love story, reflecting the broader themes of tradition versus modernity.
What is a Tanna in Judaism?
In Judaism, a "Tanna" refers to a rabbi or teacher from the period of the Mishnah, which was compiled around 200 CE. The term is derived from the Hebrew root "to teach" and denotes those scholarly figures who contributed to the oral traditions of Jewish law and ethics. Tannaim (the plural form) played a crucial role in the development of Jewish thought, and their teachings are recorded in the Mishnah and other texts. Their interpretations and debates laid the groundwork for subsequent Jewish scholarship and legal discourse.
Is Tanna a true story?
Yes, "Tanna" is based on a true story. The film, released in 2015, is set on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu and tells the love story of two young lovers, Wawa and Dain, from different tribes. It draws inspiration from real events and the traditional culture of the indigenous people. The film features an all-local cast, speaking the native language of Nauvhal, and highlights the impact of colonialism and the clash between tradition and modernity. It received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Melanesian life.
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