Watch Waiting for John

Waiting for John is a 2015 documentary directed by Jessica Sherry, which follows the Vanuatu people as they prepare for the return of their spiritual leader and messiah, John Frum, who they believe will bring prosperity and salvation to their impoverished nation. The film captures the religious and cultural practices of the people of Tanna Island, who await the arrival of John Frum with fervor, demonstrating their faith by engaging in daily rituals, dances, and songs that have been passed down through generations.

The film opens with a breathtaking aerial shot of Tanna Island, which is located in the South Pacific Ocean, near Australia. The island is home to the Tanna people, who live a simple life, farming and fishing, and relying on their traditional beliefs and practices to survive. The film introduces us to several of the island's inhabitants, who tell us about their belief in John Frum, a mysterious figure who first appeared on the island during World War II, when American soldiers brought with them new technologies and ideas, which fascinated the locals.

According to the legend, John Frum promised to return to Tanna Island, bringing with him wealth, technology, and salvation. Since then, the islanders have been waiting for his return, building him shrines, singing his praises, and performing elaborate rituals in his honor. The film shows us some of these rituals, which involve dancing, drinking kava, and presenting offerings to John Frum. We also see the preparations for his arrival, which include the construction of a new airstrip and a giant cargo cult tower, which the islanders believe will attract John Frum's attention and bring him home.

As the film progresses, we learn more about the Vanuatu people and their way of life. We see them working in the fields, fishing, and raising their families, all the while maintaining their unique customs and traditions. We also see their interaction with the outside world, as tourists visit the island, bringing with them new ideas and values that clash with the locals' beliefs.

Waiting for John is an enchanting film, with stunning cinematography and a mesmerizing score that captures the island's beauty and magic. It's also a thought-provoking exploration of faith, culture, and identity, as we witness the clash between modernity and tradition, and the struggle of a people to hold onto their beliefs in the face of an increasingly complex world. Despite the fact that the Tanna people's belief in John Frum may seem curious or even absurd to outsiders, the film treats their faith with respect and empathy, conveying their sense of longing and hope for a better future.

The film's main characters are Glen Allen, James Gillies, and Cromerty York, who all play important roles in the island's religious and cultural practices. Glen is a white Australian who has lived on the island for many years, and who has become an integral part of the community. He acts as a translator and mediator between the islanders and outsiders, and his deep knowledge of the local culture is invaluable in understanding the significance of the rituals and beliefs associated with John Frum. James is a local chief, who is deeply involved in the preparations for John Frum's arrival. He is a charismatic and articulate leader, who brings together the island's clans and coordinates their efforts to build the cargo cult tower. Cromerty is a young islander, who has grown up with the stories of John Frum and who dreams of a better life for his people. He is an excellent dancer and singer, and his enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration is infectious.

Overall, Waiting for John is a mesmerizing and captivating film, which transports viewers to a world that is at once familiar and exotic. It's a moving testament to the human capacity for faith and resilience, and a powerful tribute to the unique culture and spirit of the Vanuatu people.

Waiting for John is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.