The Hadza: Last of the First

The Hadza: Last of the First is a probing, poignant 2014 documentary film that journeys into the remarkably unaffected, yet rapidly declining world of the Hadza people. This pastoral elegy is narrated by Emmy-Award winning actor Dave Fennoy, and includes expert commentary and unique insights from the world-famous primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall as well as anthropologist Alyssa Crittenden.

At the heart of The Hadza: Last of the First is a compelling narrative about one of the last surviving 'hunter-gatherer' tribes in the world, the Hadza. Living around the harsh environments of the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania, the Hadza have inhabited the lands for tens of thousands of years, leading a lifestyle far removed from the modern world.

The Hadza is an exploration into what is described as the last of the “first” peoples – the original homo sapiens, who still maintain a lifestyle that dates back to the very roots of human existence. Their culture, language, and way of life have remained incredibly consistent and they are often considered as the closest mirror we have to the lifestyle of early human ancestors.

The film is more than just an intimate portrayal of the Hadza tribe in the present time. It is also an exploration of anthropology, history, human survival, and the heart-wrenching challenge of cultural preservation amidst the rapidly encroaching modern world. The movie provides an exclusive look into the lives of individuals within the Hadza community, imparting viewers with insights into their daily lives, cultural traditions, hunting practices and deep-rooted connection with nature. Simultaneously, the film does not shy away from highlighting the threats that the tribe is facing, such as land encroachment, climate change, and diminishing resources.

Beyond the thought-provoking interviews and interactions with the Hadza people themselves, the movie features commentary and robust analysis from renowned academics and experts in the field. Alyssa Crittenden provides anthropological context and adds gravitas to the film's narrative with her in-depth understanding of the Hadza way of life. Dr. Jane Goodall, celebrated for her ground-breaking research in the field of primatology, offers further acuity, presenting her observations of the realities and challenges faced by the Hadza.

Dave Fennoy's affecting narration guides the audience through the starkly beautiful yet unforgiving terrain of the African Rift Valley, bridging the world of the Hadza and the viewers comfortably and intimately. The film also employs visually captivating cinematography that accentuates the stark beauty of the landscapes the Hadza inhabit and the raw simplicity of their way of life. Striking images of the Hadza in their natural habitat, matched with the extraordinary tales of their survival, make the documentary come alive.

What sets The Hadza: Last of the First apart is its ability to transmit the voice of the Hadza people without exoticizing them. The film upholds their dignity, celebrating their resilient lifestyle and adorned culture rather than portraying them as relics of a bygone age. The Hadza are shown as stewards of their environment, co-existing harmoniously with the land they have occupied for millennia.

The complexities of the dilemmas facing the Hadza people are not sugar-coated but laid bare for viewers. The film encourages us to reflect on the soul-stirring question of cultural preservation versus development. For how long can the Hadza people withstand the pressure of the encroaching external world? How will continued globalization impact these last pockets of prehistoric humanity?

In exploring the challenges faced by the Hadza, the film reveals broader, more profound questions about modern society's relationship with nature, cultural diversity, and our shared human heritage.

With The Hadza: Last of the First, viewers are provided a thought-provoking and enlightening viewing experience that broadens horizons and encourages deep introspection and empathy. The poignant depiction of a tribe on the threshold between its ancient ways and a rapidly modernizing world serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of human existence and the importance of preserving diverse cultures.

In the realm of anthropological documentaries, The Hadza: Last of the First is a must-watch film that will leave an indelible impact on its audience. It is a poignant exploration of our past, a reflection of our present, and a cautionary tale for our future.