Tawai: A Voice From the Forest

Tawai: A Voice From the Forest is an entrancing 2017 documentary film artfully written and directed by the highly respected British explorer and former Royal Marines commando, Bruce Parry. This mesmerizing film features a significant performance by Ingrid Lewis and Jerome Lewis, beautifully capturing their interactions with indigenous cultures.

The title "Tawai" is a word sourced from the nomadic hunter-gatherers of Borneo, the Penan tribe, used to describe a profound inner feeling of connection to nature. This documentary is the lead actor's personal journey, exploring the human relationship with nature and ecological balance. Parry's documented journey effectively serves as a mirror; the audience may be challenged to reconsider their own relationship with the natural world around them.

Bruce Parry, known for his groundbreaking BBC anthropology series "Tribe," presents an intimate human exploration in Tawai. His journey takes him from the jungles of Malaysia's tropical Borneo Island to the coastal waters of Southern India and the high peaks of the Himalayas in Nepal. When travelling, Parry prefers to experience the societies he visits from a unique perspective; he lives with indigenous people, adopting their customs, participating in their rituals, and understanding their way of life first-hand.

Parry carries his understanding forward to present fascinating contrasts between fast-paced city life and the mindful lifestyle of the indigenous people. This exploration includes Parrys' meeting with the Penan tribe of Borneo, whose ecosystem is being destroyed due to deforestation. He also examines the stark contrast between the urban sprawl of Manhattan and the utter peace found in the Sannyasin monastic communities of India. Each setting and culture gives viewers a unique perspective on what it means to be interconnected with nature and encourages contemplation of humanity's place within the larger environmental landscape.

Tawai dives deep into the nature of "interconnectedness" and explores how this concept affects the various societies the film portrays. Parry attempts to express through his documentary, a profound, visceral sense of interconnectedness, experienced by individuals living closely with nature, a sense that some may argue has been lost by those living in the modern, industrialized "developed" world.

The anthropological documentary is not just a showcase of the indigenous people of these regions; it also serves as a platform for these local people's voices to be heard. With the inclusion of insightful conversation with people like Jerome Lewis, an anthropologist, and Ingrid Lewis, a linguist, the film paints a stunning picture of their perspectives about the world around them.

Parry, with his commitment and dedication to his craft and the planet, creates an immersive visual experience through the exceptional cinematography featured in Tawai. The audience is guided through the staggering beauty of diverse landscapes, allowing them to connect intimately with nature.

Tawai: A Voice From the Forest, however, is not only visually stunning; it imparts a poignant message that stays with the viewer long after the film ends. It invites viewers to approach their own lives, interactions and relationships from a place of reflection, empathy and compassion. It's an examination of the human condition in its purest form, stripped of the conveniences of modern life. Parry encourages his audience to see the world through a wider lens and consider the long-term consequences of their existence on the planet.

In conclusion, Tawai is a thoughtful, introspective appraisal of humanity's place within the natural world. It's a breathtaking visual journey that challenges audiences to reassess their perceptions of progress, value and growth. It presents a potentially transformative view of life and evolution, urging viewers to reconnect with the natural world, understand its intrinsic value and recognize their part in its preservation. Through its exploration of interconnectedness, the film suggests that by acknowledging and valifying the wisdom and lifestyle of indigenous people, we might just find a way to a more sustainable, equitable and harmonious future.