Ongtupqa

Ongtupqa is a profound cultural and artistic journey into the heart of traditional Hopi music coupled with the awe-inspiring cinematic imagery of one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth - the Grand Canyon. This immersive, cinematic documentary's central figure is Clark Tenakhongva, a respected Hopi musician and elder who, along with Gary Stroutsos, a master flute player, tells the tale of the Hopi Tribe's ancestral ties to the Grand Canyon and their source of music.

The film presents a unique narrative that intertwines histories, philosophies, and the cultural wisdom of the Hopi Tribe with unprecedented performances of ancient melodies played in an underground cavern excellent for its acoustic properties. The emphasis of this presentation rests heavily on the spiritual relationship of the Hopi Tribe to the Grand Canyon (Or Ongtupqa in the Hopi language) and how this nurturing relationship influences their traditional music.

Clark Tenakhongva, Hopi cultural ambassador and Vice Chairman of the tribe, is a consummate storyteller and traditional singer. Through his rich baritone voice, the songs resonate with the soul, inviting contemplation and reflection. In the scattered echoes and deep, sonorous notes, one can palpably feel the reverence and love for the Grand Canyon and the ancient stories of the Hopi Tribe.

Accompanying Clark is extraordinary flute player, Gary Stroutsos. A perennial student of musical traditions around the world, Gary joins Clark in this auditory expedition blending timeless wind instrument melodies in a poignant tribute to a heritage that still speaks volumes, if we only pause to listen. Gary Stroutsos's melodic stylings provide nuanced counterpoints to Clark Tenakhongva's powerful traditional singing.

The filmmakers have gone to great lengths to ensure accurate and sensitive representations of Hopi culture and tradition. Audiences will find themselves immersed in the rich, spiritual tapestry of the Hopi people, uniquely interpreted through music in Ongtupqa. The performances are genuine, raw, and heartfelt, embodying the powerful bond between the Hopi people and their sacred land.

But Ongtupqa does more than just showcase music and storytelling; this movie is also about visually stunning imagery of the Grand Canyon. The dramatic cinematography paints a vivid picture of this majestic sacred site. The imagery perfectly complements the music and singing, inviting a solemn appreciation of the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon and its deep significance to the Hopi people and their music traditions.

Not to be overlooked is the educational value of Ongtupqa. It provides an intimate look into the century-old beliefs, customs, and artistic expression of one of the oldest living cultures in North America. The film serves as a necessary resource for educators and students alike seeking to understand Native American history, particularly the Hopi Tribe and the centrality of the Grand Canyon within their traditions and spiritual worldview.

To sum up, Ongtupqa is a sublime, respectful marriage of mesmerizing music, awe-inspiring cinematography, and indigenous wisdom. Natural acoustics, indigenous music, rarely-seen ceremonial practices, and oral storytelling traditions combine to create an evocative tribute to the Hopi Tribe and the Grand Canyon. Stroutsos and Tenakhongva entwine their talents, wisdom, and spiritual traditions in this stunning visual and auditory journey. It's a voyage of exploration and understanding—of past cultures, of a living tradition, and of the relationship between humans and the environment. The movie creates a sense of lasting connection to the land, the heavens, the past, and the present. A must-watch for those interested in a deeper understanding of indigenous culture and spiritual ecology and fans of traditional music and breathtaking natural scenery.