Set in the South Pacific, Tanna is based on a true story and performed by the people of Yakel in Vanuatu. Among the Yakel people - a traditional society at war with their neighbours - a teenage girl called Wawa falls in love with the chief’s grandson – Dain.
When Wawa’s grandfather Albi is clubbed almost to death by men of the Imedin tribe, the simmering inter-tribal war threatens to erupt anew. As part of a peace deal, Wawa is betrothed to her grandfather’s attacker.
Unwilling to submit to this arranged marriage, Wawa elopes with Dain, pursued now by both the Yakel and the Imedin – both tribes determined to hold Wawa to their “agreement”.
In the unfolding tale of treachery and desire, Wawa and Dain must choose between their hearts’ desire and the future of their tribe. The tribe must chose between the traditional rules of the culture and the young lovers’ yearning for individual freedom.
Directed by Bentley Dean and Martin Butler, Tanna was supported through our Assigned Production Investment funding.
Tanna was awarded two major prizes at 2015 Venice Film Festival:
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