Watch The Tailenders

The Tailenders is a compelling documentary by filmmaker Beth Bird that takes us on a journey through the struggles of an isolated Mexican village in Oaxaca. Set against the backdrop of a raging power struggle between the villagers and the government, the movie explores the plight of the innocent and the brave as they fight to keep their traditions and culture alive.

The documentary opens with breathtaking aerial shots of the remote village of Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec, a place that can only be reached by foot or horseback. We are introduced to the villagers, whose everyday life revolves around their deep-rooted customs, such as weaving and music. The villagers speak the indigenous language of Zapotec, and are cut off from modern technology and access to basic resources such as electricity and running water.

The premise of the movie is centered around the government's plan to build a massive hydroelectric dam, which will flood the village and displace its residents. The construction of the dam would mean the end of their way of life, as they know it. The village's inhabitants, led by an inspiring group of women, decide to fight back against the government and its attempt to uproot them from their ancestral lands.

Throughout the documentary, we follow the journey of these incredibly resilient villagers, who are forced to confront the reality of the imminent threat to their homes and their livelihoods. They stand up to the authorities, organize community meetings, and even take the government to court. The documentary shows the hardship and sacrifice that the villagers must endure to hold on to what matters most to them.

One of the highlights of the movie is the music of the Tailenders, a local band consisting of the young people of the village. We are treated to their soulful melodies, which are a mix of traditional sounds and modern influences. The music provides a touching commentary on the challenges that the village must overcome and provides a much-needed sense of hope.

The Tailenders gives a voice to the voiceless and shines a light on the often-forgotten struggle of indigenous communities. The villagers' stories are deeply moving, and the movie highlights the power and importance of communal resistance in the face of government oppression.

Throughout the film, we see the villagers simply trying to maintain their way of life, which is threatened by the encroachment of global capitalism. However, the documentary refrains from providing a simplistic narrative of good versus evil, instead showing the complex and multifaceted reality of what is happening in the village. The movie manages to show the beauty of indigenous culture while also providing a stark reminder of the inequalities faced by native populations.

In conclusion, The Tailenders is a beautifully crafted documentary that captures the essence of a community in crisis. It highlights the resilience and spirit of the people of Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec as they fight for their right to exist in a world that increasingly disregards them. The movie teaches us that hope and resistance can be found, even in the darkest of moments, and that we can draw strength from the communities we are a part of. Anyone interested in issues of indigenous rights, social justice, and global politics should watch this movie.