Dwarves Kingdom

Dwarves Kingdom is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking feature-length documentary by Director Matthew Salton released in 2014. The film offers an intimate and candid look at a literal spectacle that unfolds in the peculiar environs of a theme park in China. Centered around the lives of America's 'Little People' working in this unique environment, the documentary is a fascinating exploration that throws light on diverse facets of the human condition dealing with issues of exploitation, entertainment, physical identity, and cultural displacement.

The central character in this narrative is the charismatic park founder and manager, Gao Yan. His grand vision led to the creation of this peculiar world called the Dwarf Empire aka the 'Kingdom of The Little People,' which is populated exclusively by short-statured people, all under 130 cm. These people dressed in fairy tale costumes entertain park visitors with singing, dancing, and other performances throughout the day.

Gao Yan's ambitious venture is a thrilling socio-cultural experiment as well as an entertaining spectacle. On the one hand, he is seen as a humanitarian who provides an opportunity for these marginalized people to earn a living while feeling socially accepted in their singularity. Yet, on the other hand, many see it as exploitation, reducing these individuals to spectacle or mere amusement. The documentary beautifully captures this moral ambiguity, forcing audiences to question and reassess their perceptions of right and wrong.

Despite these complex colourings, the film isn’t all controversy and criticism. It is full of vibrancy, colours, and intriguing characters that add a touch of surreal charm to the entire narrative. Dwarves Kingdom presents viewers with a look into the daily lives, dreams, and interactions of these individuals, adding a humanizing factor to the seemingly unusual drama.

As the documentary delves deeper into the lives of the park's inhabitants, it also eloquently captures the sense of community among the residents. Despite the spectacle of their lives, many of the 'Little People' seem to find a sense of belonging and acceptance within the Dwarf Empire that they lacked in the outside world. This provides a fresh perspective on their existence within the park, making it more of a protective haven rather than a circus sideshow.

Furthermore, the picturesque backdrop of the Dwarves Kingdom, nestled amidst the lush mountains and peppered with brightly coloured mushroom houses and castles, adds a certain whimsical charm to the visual palette. The film doesn't shy away from exhibiting this fairytale-like landscape combined with high spirited performances that run the gamut from the absurd to the downright outlandishly wonderful.

Director Matthew Salton has beautifully balanced the bittersweet moments with lighter human elements, and the documentary spends equal amounts of time addressing the concerns it raises and celebrating the resilience, humour, and the spirit of the park residents. The documentary is visually captivating and directorially proficient, with a poignant undertone that invites viewers to consider the deeper perspectives of what at first glance might seem an exotic spectacle.

Salton’s cinematic narration is fluid and meticulous, gradually revealing human tales of aspiration, fear, love, and unity against the backdrop of an institution that is equal parts controversial and extraordinary. The film also leaves room for subjectivity and ambiguity, allowing audiences to form their own opinions about the proceedings. Salton respects the intelligence of the viewer and does not manipulate sentiment, but instead encourages viewers to contemplate the conditions and means by which the social and economic status of marginalized communities is improved.

In essence, Dwarves Kingdom is a fascinating cinematic journey that explores the promise of a place where its inhabitants are accepted for who they are, while simultaneously raising ethical questions about the society that surrounds them and thus lives in this controversial space. Depending on viewer perspectives, Gao Yan's park is either an exploitative venture or a form of emancipation for a marginalized group of people. The true strength of this documentary lies in Julia Liu’s heartwarming cinematography and Matthew Salton’s masterful storytelling, which illuminate these complexities, making Dwarves Kingdom an engaging, thoughtful, and ultimately memorable viewing experience.