Namibia, Africa
Himba Tribe
The Himba ethnic group, who have kept their ethnic individuality and culture in the seclusion of Kaokoland, live a unique lifestyle. Normally, men dominate the day to day activities of a village, but in the Himba tribe women assume this role. This story as seen through the eyes of the eldest daughter and the first wife of the Himba Chief, follows them through a child wedding and tribal ceremonies. Ancient rituals and magic are common among this tribe, and when an illness arises in the village, ritualistic unified dancing and singing lasting five days and nights is performed to cast the illness from the person.
The Holy fire, or sacred fire, continuously burns inside the first wife's home and guards the village with ultimate protection. The Himba tribe always consists of one leader considered the chief of the village. He has six wives, whom surprisingly get along with each other. They share each others children and homes except for the Chief's first wife. She is granted prime position in the tribe and always resides with the Chief in the first home, or master home, built for the tribe. The sharing of children, the Chief and the land, is the experience of life within this tribe. They embrace the oneness in all of us.
Tanna, Vanuatu
Tannese
Vanuatu means celebration for every cycle of life. From birthing rituals, womanhood and manhood rites, bridal offerings, marriage ceremonies, seasonal harvests to wild horse races, the Tanna people of
Vanuatu weave Toka (Ceremony) into every aspect of life. Vibrant colors adorn the faces of men and women while dances and song are practiced and performed with great precision and passion. Ceremonies often last for days, with the proceedings continue throughout the night. Gifts of pigs, cattle, kava and yams are signs of generosity and one village will attempt to outdo another. During the Toka, the grandest of all ceremonies, the spirit of love pervades the community. Chosen men and women will sprinkle special water, blessed by the spirits, on the large crowds around the Nakemel, or village gathering, and produce an undeniable passion among the people
Connection, community, respect for the earth and spirit in all its numerous forms embody the highest of values for the people of Tanna. The medicine man, tree spirit man, rain man, sun man, and wind man are all respected and considered leaders amongst their villages. In the most traditional villages, grass skirts and nambas or penis wraps, are the only clothing worn.
Gatlang, Nepal
The Tamang
The Nepalese (also known as Murmi) are one of several ethnic groups living in Nepal,
Living thousands of feet above sea level in villages consisting of shack-like homes high on mountain cliff sides, the Nepalese diet is simply corn, flour, goat milk, potatoes and pumpkin. In spite of a severely cold climate, scarce food and lack of nutrition they exude a happiness touching ones heart for a lifetime.
The main characters for Tahi consist of an elder couple who share an incredible human bond. Their abundant love carries them through the harsh winters and their connective consciousness of oneness embraces their human journey. A quote from the couple We share each others blood. As she dies, I will also die. We follow this couple and their one child on an epic journey to deliver their village from hardship and build a village monastery. It begins with a long and arduous climb over the mountainous Himalayas in search of a sect of cave dwelling Monks. Here we are joined by one Monk who accepts the challenge and accompanies the family on foot to the major city of Nepal, Katmandu, to receive the blessings of the high Lama Monk. With their newly acquired wisdom and blessing the four return to the couples village to complete the mission.
Tamil Nadu,
India
This segment of the film was captured in the Joe Homan's Boys Town Orphanage in Tamil Nadu. It is the story of two orphaned boys who have had a troubled past, having lost their families under extreme circumstances. Tahi, the film, explores the relationship between these two boys, Kumar and Ramu, who form an orphanage brotherhood in order to survive. We follow their return home to the remains of their family and their later return to the orphanage where the struggle continues, as they stick together through the trials and tribulations of youth. The Joe Homan Charity helps thousands of children in South India and Thailand to escape poverty and provides care and assistance for Boys and Girls of all ages. This charity aims to help disadvantaged children avoid poverty by developing self esteem through education and vocational training, and reap the consequent opportunities to improve their lifestyle. Each year the Joe Homan Charities help over 2,000 Children enjoy a better quality of life.
For more info on The Joe Homan Charity : www.joehoman.org.uk