Tale of forbidden Vanuatu romance kicks off new Whanganui film season

Marie Wawa and Mungau Dain play star-crossed lovers in the documentary film Tanna. Photo/Supplied

The Whanganui Film Society 2019 season begins on Monday night with the screening of Tanna, a 2015 documentary film by Australian directors Bentley Dean and Martin Butler.

The New Zealand International Film Festival review described Tanna as "a ravishing cinematic expression of traditional culture".

"Filmed pre-Cyclone Pam on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, this stunningly photographed film tells the star-crossed story of Wawa, a young woman who has fallen in love with her chief's dashing grandson, Dain.

"When an inter-tribal war breaks out with a neighbouring community, the young lovers are forced to choose between their own happiness and the common good.

"Mythic in its simplicity, the film is based on a true story that took place in 1985 and carried significant ramifications for the evolution of tribal society."

Butler and Dean worked closely with the indigenous community to produce the 104-minute film which carries an M rating.

Tanna: Davis Theatre, Whanganui Regional Museum, 7pm, Monday, March 4. Memberships available at nzfilmsociety.org.nz or at the venue.