Tabu, a Story of the South Seas

The opening scene of Tabu: A Story of the South Seas, a magnificent shot of the ocean shining under the sunlight, anticipates the beauty and the pioneering of this feature, which held the stage and has been an influence for filmmakers of all over the world. A master of the silent film, the German Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau worked along with the famous American documentarian Robert J. Flaherty (Nanook of the North) to produce, in an expressionist drama style, an ethnographic study of the Tahiti tribes, where the production took place. The technical boldness and the resolution of both filmmakers while trying to create a project of such dimension in the beginning of the 30’s can also be seen in the impossible love affair among two young natives. The young girl Reri was elected to serve the gods as a virgin. So, she becomes a taboo for her beloved Mahati. Who defies this must die. Even the old priest Hutu gives his life for Reri commitment. Then, the two lovers look for shelter in this colonized island where the old rites are no longer observed. Mahati goes and works as a pearl diver, get in debt with some unscrupulous businessmen without being able to buy his freedom. Then, the old priest finds Reri. In order to save Mahati, at the evening she follows the priest to a boat. And Mahati drowns herself in the black sea. In two chapters ("Paradise" and "Lost Paradise"), the feature, with English subtitles, is going to have a special presentation at CineSesc, as part of the 31ª Mostra activities, along with the piano player Paulo Braga.

43ª MOSTRA INTERNACIONAL DE CINEMA

43ª MOSTRA INTERNACIONAL DE CINEMA