You are here:

Tanna

Name: Tanna
Director: Martin Butler, Bentley Dean
Released: 2015
Duration: 104 min

Representation Score

4.1/10

Fair

2015

Not Rated

Director

Martin Butler, Bentley Dean

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Tanna is a notable achievement in ethnographic cinema, primarily due to its strong commitment to racial and ethnic authenticity. By using an almost entirely Ni-Vanuatu cast and indigenous perspectives, the film effectively counters Western cinematic conventions. While the film excels in cultural immersion, it adheres closely to the traditional social hierarchies of the setting. This limits its impact on gender subversion and LGBTQ+ representation, as the story operates within established Melanesian social frameworks. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its exploration of the tension between systemic tradition and personal autonomy, offering a nuanced look at identity while respecting cultural sovereignty.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Tanna have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a traditional romantic relationship between the main characters and does not include non-cisgender identities or narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Tanna portray gender?

Fair

The film highlights the protagonist's refusal of an arranged marriage, providing her with ability to act. However, it does not explicitly challenge traditional male leadership structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tanna?

Excellent

The film stands out for its authentic representation, featuring an almost entirely Ni-Vanuatu cast. It avoids the Western perspective by emphasizing local ability to act and oral traditions.

How does Tanna represent religion and culture?

Good

The film explores the tension between communal tribal laws and individual freedom, focusing on indigenous sovereignty and the importance of local customs.

Does Tanna include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant depiction of visible or invisible disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

Features an almost entirely Ni-Vanuatu cast for exceptional racial and ethnic authenticity.
Avoids the Western perspective by emphasizing local ability to act and oral traditions.
Highlights the protagonist's refusal of an arranged marriage, providing her who play a significant role in driving the story.

Limited or Absent

Does not include non-cisgender identities or LGBTQ+ narratives.
Does not explicitly challenge traditional male leadership structures.
Does not depict visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In a traditional tribal society in the South Pacific, a young girl, Wawa, falls in love with her chief’s grandson, Dain. When an inter-tribal war escalates, Wawa is unknowingly betrothed as part of a peace deal. The young lovers run away, refusing her arranged fate. They must choose between their hearts and the future of the tribe, while the villagers must wrestle with preserving their traditional culture and adapting it to the increasing outside demands for individual freedom.

How are these scores produced? →