There Once Was an Island

There Once Was an Island is a poignant documentary that offers a gripping depiction of a community's struggle for survival and resilience in the face of existential threats. Released in 2010, the film is directed by New Zealand filmmaker Briar March and is woven together in English and Tok Pisin languages. The feature-length documentary casts a compelling light on climate change through the experiences of the inhabitants of Takuu, a remote Pacific Island on the fringes of Papua New Guinea.

The narrative homes in on three main characters, Teloo, Endar, and Satty, who perceive the imminent threats differently, providing the narrative with a multiplicity of perspectives. It allows the audience to engage with the real-life consequences of global warming, with sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and increasing saline contamination impacting livelihoods and reshaping cultural norms.

Grappling with whether to abandon their homes, the spotlighted trio - and the community at large - must face unsettling dilemmas that are as deeply personal as they are broadly philosophical and humanitarian. Do they decide to relocate the community and preserve their culture on foreign soil? Or do they stay back on their ancestral lands, hoping that the tides may yet turn in their favor? The documentary plumbs the depths of these compelling questions, shining a light on the human toll global warming exacts.

The documentary isn't just about the looming devastation of climate change; it also draws attention to aspects of this community’s rich cultural heritage and the nuanced, interweaving relationships between islanders. There is an intimate portrayal of the island community's socio-cultural traditions, their unique modes of subsistence, and their symbiotic relationship with their natural environment. Viewing this world through the eyes of Teloo, Endar, and Satty, the audience gets an insight into the vibrancy and resourcefulness of a relatively isolated culture, a culture which is unbowed but unsure of what the future holds.

There Once Was an Island is unique in the sense that it doesn't just focus on the science of climate change in isolation - though the impacts here are more than evident; instead, it underscores the human and cultural costs of climate change. It offers an on-the-ground depiction of a small community struggling with unfathomably large, global issues, making their heroic efforts all the more impactful.

The arrival of a scientific investigation team on Takuu further adds complexity to the narrative. The islanders are understandably torn between the scientists' predictions and their instinctive loyalty to their homeland. The contrasting attitudes are portrayed effectively, bringing out the conflicts and the shared challenges these islanders are grappling with.

Combining elements of cinema verité and ethnographic filmmaking, director Briar March crafts an equally beautiful and urgent film, technically and narratively. The oceanic landscape of the island, with its serene beaches and abundant coconut palms intertwined with images of destructive floods and crumbling shorelines, create a vivid contrast. The director's deft storytelling, coupled with the stunning cinematography and compelling subjects, translates into a cinematic experience that's both thought-provoking and visually engaging.

Production elements, including sound design and musical score, further underscore the emotional depth of the narrative, adding to the overall intimate portrayal of the Takuu community. The interaction of these elements gives the film an immersive quality that ensures that the audience can't remain detached observers - instead, they're drawn in, compelled to participate and empathize with the protagonists in their tumultuous journey.

The documentary fosters a degree of immediacy and emotional closeness seldom seen in climate change discourse. By engaging intimately with its subjects, and connecting audiences to the delicate intersections of culture, identity, and environment, the film compels audience reflection on their own individual and collective responsibilities in relation to climate change.

In conclusion, There Once Was an Island is a moving documentary that offers far more than a simple depiction of a community battling against climate change. It serves as a haunting parable for our times and a call to action. Its rich narrative and vivid cinematography make it a film that will linger in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll - a stark reminder that climate change is not a distant threat in another era, but a present day reality affecting lives in real time.