Survival Prayer

Survival Prayer, directed and photographed by Benjamin Greené, is a profound, soulful, and visually stunning documentary film that delivers an insightful depiction of a vanishing way of life. The film takes a delve into a world unknown to many - the indigenous Haida community in the Pacific Northwest, specifically on Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off British Columbia.

Released in 2013, Survival Prayer explores divisions between modernity and ancient roots while underscoring the import of cultural preservation. The Haida people, once the target of forced assimilation, teeter on the edge of losing a deep spiritual connection to the land, their heritage, and their ancestors. This outstanding film makes these themes its centerpiece, movingly demonstrating the significance of culture, tradition, and heritage amidst imminent threat of extinction.

The film primarily focuses on Norman, an elderly Haida man who is one of the few remaining speakers of the native Haida language, a tongue on the brink of extinction. He is committed to harvesting and preserving the wild potatoes that grow on the island, an endeavor that symbolizes his tribe’s struggle to maintain its identity and way of life.

An underlying theme that threads itself throughout Survival Prayer’s narrative encapsulates the dichotomy between change and perseverance. Norman represents a dwindling community striving to keep sacred traditions alive, all while being pressured by the encroaching influence of the modern world that threatens to sever their cultural roots. Echoing theme of survival and perseverance resonate throughout the film as viewers see the Haida's relationship with the land, their traditions, and their past.

From a visual perspective, Survival Prayer distinguishes itself with a stark, spare aesthetic that remarkably captures the raw beauty of the secluded Haida Gwaii islands. The cinematography is picturesque and immersive, allowing viewers to witness the serene and isolated atmosphere of these islands. There is a profound sense of place and time, shaped through the island's landscape and historical significance. It is these haunting yet breathtaking visuals that underpin the urgent narrative, adding an unspoken layer to the film’s portrayal of a community’s struggle for cultural preservation.

Survival Prayer doesn’t just tell a story – it transports you into an intimate, spiritual journey that implores personal reflection. It offers a soft yet poignant gaze into the life of the island's inhabitants, evoking a sense of profound reverence for the traditions that define us, as well as the natural world that surrounds us. This spiritual connection to the land is presented in a unique lens, where the audience is given the opportunity to see the vital role that nature plays within the Haida community.

Moreover, the film runs dialogue-light and relies heavily on the power of its images to convey a narrative. There is a certain elegance to this simplicity - the quietness and tranquillity allow the audience to absorb the profound significance of what they're viewing, making Survival Prayer an immersive experience that transcends traditional storytelling.

Survival Prayer serves as a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the enduring strength of cultural identity. It’s a profound meditation on the power of tradition, the sanctity of nature and the unquestionable need to preserve both. It points to the age-old conflict of identity preservation in the face of an ever-modernizing world and leaves the viewers with much to meditate upon long after the movie is over.

In conclusion, Survival Prayer isn’t just a documentary — it's an elegy of a disappearing culture, a tribute to the age-old wisdom of the elder generation, a beautiful journey of a man's tireless efforts to save his culture's legacy. The film offers a deeply affecting cinematic voyage that captures the essence of human experience in its raw, often overlooked form - filled with deep-rooted passion, fierce resilience, and a steadfast devotion to heritage.

A defining work of visual artistry, Survival Prayer exists as a poignant narrative that takes audiences on an enlightening voyage into the soul of a culture that’s fighting for its survival. This film manages to create an immersive palette of human emotion, experiences, and, most importantly, the beautiful resilience that goes hand in hand with human survival. An essential watch for those fascinated by the rich tapestry of human culture, the resilience of indigenous peoples, and the impactful relationship between man and nature.