“Whale Rider”, 2002
Director: Niki Caro
Directed by Niki Caro, this New Zealand film tells the story of a young Māori girl who challenges tradition and embraces her destiny as her community's new leader.
Starring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, Grant Roa, Mana Taumaunu, Rachel House, Taungaroa Emile, Tammy Davis, Mabel Wharekawa;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, family;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Whale Rider” on the website imdb.com
“Rabbit-Proof Fence”, 2002
Director: Phillip Noyce
Directed by Phillip Noyce, this Australian film is based on the true story of three Aboriginal girls who escaped and trekked over 1,500 miles home after being forcibly removed from their families in the 1930s.
Starring: Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Laura Monaghan, Ningali Lawford, David Gulpilil, Kenneth Branagh, Myarn Lawford, Deborah Mailman, Jason Clarke, Natasha Wanganeen;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Rabbit-Proof Fence” on the website imdb.com
“Once Were Warriors”, 1994
Director: Lee Tamahori
A New Zealand film directed by Lee Tamahori, featuring a Māori family in a contemporary urban setting and the struggles they face including the challenges of maintaining their cultural identity.
Starring: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga, Taungaroa Emile, Rachael Morris Jr., Joseph Kairau, Cliff Curtis, Pete Smith, George Henare;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Once Were Warriors” on the website imdb.com
“Apocalypto”, 2006
Director: Mel Gibson
Directed by Mel Gibson, this action-adventure film is set in the waning days of the Maya civilization and portrays the journey of a young man trying to escape human sacrifice and save his family.
Starring: Rudy Youngblood, Dalia Hernandez, Jonathan Brewer, Morris Birdyellowhead, Carlos Emilio Baez, Amilcar Ramírez, Israel Contreras, Israel Rios, María Isabel Díaz Lago, Espiridion Acosta Cache;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 139 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
“Birdwatchers”, 2017
Director: Devon Gummersall
This Brazilian film directed by Marco Bechis highlights the tension between a group of Guarani-Kaiowá indigenous people and local landowners in Mato Grosso do Sul.
Starring: Brian Vander Ark;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: short film, comedy;
Duration: 8 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
More information about the film “Birdwatchers” on the website imdb.com
“Tanna”, 2015
Director: Martin Butler, Bentley Dean
Set on the Vanuatu island of Tanna, this film directed by Bentley Dean and Martin Butler follows the true story of a couple who decided to marry for love, defying the traditional arranged marriage customs of their people.
Starring: Mungau Dain, Marie Wawa, Marceline Rofit, Charlie Kahla, Albi Nangia, Lingai Kowia, Dadwa Mungau, Linette Yowayin, Kapan Cook, Mungau Yokay;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, melodrama, adventure;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Tanna” on the website imdb.com
“The Dead Lands”, 2020
Director: Peter Burger, Michael Hurst
A film from New Zealand by Toa Fraser, taking place in pre-colonial Māori times and focusing on a young warrior who seeks vengeance and redemption.
Starring: Te Kohe Tuhaka, Darneen Christian, Vicky Haughton, Calvin Tuteao, Kirk Torrance, Grace Palmer, Jordi Webber, Miriama Smith, Kawakawa Fox-Reo, Richard Te Are;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: horror, action;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 5,9;
More information about the film “The Dead Lands” on the website imdb.com
“Pathfinder”, 2006
Director: Marcus Nispel
Before the 2007 American remake, the original Norwegian film directed by Nils Gaup tells the story of a young Sami fighting for survival against rival tribes and forces of nature in medieval Scandinavia.
Starring: Karl Urban, Moon Bloodgood, Russell Means, Clancy Brown, Jay Tavare, Nathaniel Arcand, Ralf Moeller, Kevin Loring, Wayne Charles Baker, Michelle Thrush;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: action, drama, adventure, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 99 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,4;
More information about the film “Pathfinder” on the website imdb.com
The films listed represent a fraction of the vast array of stories and experiences lived by indigenous peoples. They also play a crucial role in preserving the rich heritage and raising awareness about the contemporary issues faced by indigenous communities across the globe.
In conclusion, films about indigenous cultures serve as a vital medium for preserving, educating, and celebrating the rich heritage and stories of indigenous communities. They provide a platform for indigenous voices to be heard and understood, counteracting historical misrepresentations and promoting cultural awareness and appreciation. By weaving authentic narratives and showcasing the unique traditions, challenges, and perspectives of indigenous people, these films not only enrich the global cinematic landscape but also foster respect and recognition for the invaluable contributions of indigenous cultures to our shared human experience.
