Tanna movie has been nominated for an Oscar for best Foreign-Language Film. This is the first time Australia has received a nomination in this category.
The Nauvhal-language film was shot by directors Bentley Dean and Martin Butler in Vanuatu and is based on a true story around forbidden love. ‘Tanna’ was crafted in close collaboration with the Yakel village on the island of Tanna and tells the story of a young woman and man – also the grandson of her village chief – who fall deeply in love. Conflict arises when the woman is promised to a husband in another tribe as part of a peace deal.
Desperate to find a way they can be together, the lovers elope and are pursued by Imedin warriors. The lovers must choose between their hearts and the future of the tribe, and the villagers must wrestle with the idea of adapting their culture in order to preserve it.
Bentley Dean and Martin Butler, best known for the documentary ‘First Footprints’, spent seven months living amongst the remote tribe in the village of Yakel. The duo worked closely with the ni-Vanuatu people to ensure the story was captured and told in a respectful and accurate way.
The 89th Academy Awards will be announced on Sunday, 26 February 2017 in Hollywood.
Want to watch Tanna in Australia?
VIC: Sun Theatre (16 Feb + Q&A)
VIC: ACMI (18, 21 & 25 Feb)
VIC: Lido Cinemas (until 15 Feb)
VIC: Cameo Cinemas Belgrave (until 15 Feb)
NSW: Golden Age Cinema & Bar (5 March)
NSW: Majestic Cinema Port Macquarie, Nabucca Heads & Sawtell (starts 16 March)
QLD: Majestic Cinemas Nambour (starts 16 March)
You can also stream or purchase a copy here.
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