Watch Tawai: A Voice From the Forest

Tawai: A Voice From the Forest is an informative and spiritual documentary directed by Bruce Parry. Released in 2017, the film takes the audience on a unique journey that explores the deep insights and knowledge of indigenous people who live in the rainforest of Borneo. The film starts by introducing the audience to the filmmaker Bruce Parry, a British adventurer who has lived with various tribal societies for the past 25 years. He then travels to Borneo to learn from a tribe called the Penan. Along the way, he meets Ingrid and Jerome Lewis, anthropologists who have studied Borneo tribes for decades. Together, they set out to discover the underlying beliefs and philosophies of the Penan people.

The Penan are a semi-nomadic community who have lived in the Borneo rainforest for generations. They have a deep connection to their environment and believe that all living things have spirits. The film follows the tribe through their daily routines, witnessing their fishing, hunting, and gathering of food, and the construction of their homes.

The journey delves deeper into the cultural beliefs of the Penan people, including their spiritual beliefs about the forest and the animals that live in it. The tribe believes that everything in the forest is connected and part of a larger ecosystem. They express gratitude for the food they gain from the forest, and they have a deep respect for the environment in which they live.

The audience is then introduced to a wise and revered member of the tribe called Tawai, who shares his knowledge and wisdom with the filmmakers. Tawai explains the tribe's beliefs about the interconnectedness of all living things and how living in harmony with the natural world is essential for the survival of all life.

The film's central theme is the impact that modern society has had on these indigenous communities. The filmmakers highlight the destruction of the rainforest due to logging, mining, and large-scale agriculture. The Penan's traditional way of life is under threat, as the rainforest disappears and their connection to the land is weakened.

However, the filmmakers offer a message of hope. They show examples of sustainable practices that are being implemented by indigenous communities around the world to protect the environment and safeguard their way of life. They also highlight the need for modern society to embrace the ways of these communities and learn from them.

Overall, Tawai: A Voice From the Forest is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that educates the audience on the wisdom that can be gained from indigenous communities. The stunning visuals of the Borneo rainforest and the loving portrayal of the Penan created a captivating narrative that left the audience with a newfound appreciation for the environment and an understanding of the importance of preserving it.

Tawai: A Voice From the Forest is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.