Big Wata

Big Wata is a resounding, deeply human documentary film released in 2018, which offers a broad and enriching perspective on empowerment, change, and the distinct relationship between humans with their natural environment. Filmed by Dutch director Jan Paul Van der Velden, the movie immerses the viewer in the life and struggles faced by a rural West African community, eloquently touching on themes such as globalisation, tradition, community transformation, and the significance of dreams.

Set against the backdrop of Sherbro Island, located on the southwest coast of Sierra Leone, the film spotlights the Sherbro, a largely fisherman community, as they grapple with economic hardship and isolation brought about by their geographic location. The narrative predominantly revolves around a group of young men who, witnessing the shrinking fish population — their primary source of sustenance and economic vitality — decide to transform their reality through an unfamiliar outlet: surfing.

Surfing, rather new to their traditional community, becomes a symbol of hope, emancipation, unity, and fun for these young men. This sporting activity in the blue Atlantic Ocean waters comes to expose the charm of Big Wata (which translates to ‘big water’), and converts the harsh, unyielding ocean into an arena of potential and novelty. This, in turn, not only disrupts their conventional existence but also deviates from the cultural perspective of the sea merely as a source of food.

The advent of surfing catapults the community into a brightly lit global stage, notably the international surfing community. This gradual shift powers more profound transformations within the society, reshaping and rejuvenating the objectives, essence, and thought-process of the younger folk and at large, their community. The sea becomes more than a fundamental resource but a bridge fostering international understanding and exchange.

In Big Wata, Van der Velden smoothly navigates substantial cultural and socio-economic subjects by sprinkling humour, light-heartedness and capturing the magnificent, raw energy of the surfers. The potent choice of focusing on the younger generation is insightful as it triggers conversations regarding generational differences, cultural preservation and adaptation to transformation within the society. By presenting viewers with authentic characters, lively storytelling and unfiltered real-world contexts, the film encapsulates a sense of discipline and perseverance that puts humanity's indomitable spirit in full display.

Additionally, the other important character in Big Wata is the sea, which is weaved into the storyline as an imposing but beautiful entity. The sea is personified as a challenging adversary that, once conquered, paves the way for dreams realized and changes embraced. Captured with a keen eye for breathtaking imagery, the raw magnificence of the sea fuses with the excitement and tension of the story, offering an immersive viewing experience.

Furthermore, the cinematography is noteworthy. The film’s sweeping visuals of the untouched beauty of Sherbro Island and the vast azure ocean beyond it, presented with an astute sense of respect and admiration for this unique setting, aids in solidifying the central theme of the movie. The sound design, consisting of a blend of local music, is an audial treat that complements the stunning visual narrative seamlessly.

In essence, Big Wata is a splendidly crafted documentary film that brilliantly balances bittersweet reality and hopeful visions of the future, proficiently portrayed through the lens of cultural immersion. Amid myriad currents of transformation, aspiration and adventure, it serves as an eye-opener into the lives and dreams of a small African community. Big Wata truly is a journey to the heart of societal evolution amidst traditions, a testament to human resilience and the power of dreams. It is about embracing change and coating it with local hues for the collective betterment of the community. Likely to intrigue and inspire, the film showcases the potential for harmonious co-existence between human communities and their natural environments while highlighting a universal, ever-relevant message about the spirit of fight and hope.