Tanna

In one of the last remaining traditional tribes in the South Pacific, a young girl, Wawa (Marie Wawa), falls in love with her chief’s grandson, Dain (Mungau Dain). But when an inter-tribal war escalates, Wawa is unknowingly betrothed to another man as part of a peace deal.

Determined to remain true to their hearts, the Wawa and Dain run away, but are pursued by enemy warriors desperate to enforce tribal law. With their lives on the line, the star-crossed lovers must choose between their hearts and the peaceful future of the tribe. Filmed on location in Vanuatu, breathtaking in scope and naturalism, based on a true story and performed by the people of Yakel, Tanna is an exotic ‘Romeo and Juliet’ tale of forbidden love and crackling adventure, capturing the essence of youthful romance and the formidable pressures of tribal life.

Critic Reviews:

• " Tanna is an exquisite story of survival, evolution, grief, anger and desire: not just romantic desire, but that for both revenge and peace. " – Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

• " The film uses its 100 minutes smartly. Emotional notes are hit neatly and refreshingly. " – Brad Wheeler

• " Aussie co-directors Martin Butler and Bentley Dean prize authenticity over conventional drama. " – Peter Howell