Synopsis: Madulu, The Seaman is a lyrical documentary that attempts to preserve the rich history of a dying tradition in the wake of the economic struggle at the hand of the tourism industry. Interweaving documentary footage with animated sequences of young Amari’s drawings, the film uses a touch of magical realism to explore the divide between past and present and new interpretations of old traditions.
Submitter Statement: Growing up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I was surrounded by a culture that was deeply intertwined with the sea. Disney’s “Free Willy” and “Flipper” played on our television screens, yet our reality was starkly different. In some of our community, hunting and consuming whale and porpoise meat was the norm, with whale blubber oil serving as a traditional remedy for the flu. The echoes of Sea Shanties once welcomed our whalers back from their voyages, but the intrusion of motorboat engines marked the end of that cherished tradition. Despite the images of fast food advertisements bombarding our screens, a “Big Mac” was never within reach for me. For over a century, our community has sustained itself through whale hunting, leading to a stark disconnection between the romanticized portrayal of whales in American media and our everyday reality. This dissonance caused me to question my own cultural identity, as I grappled with the notion that being American was somehow superior to being myself. Living on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, where diverse cultures collide, I’ve witnessed firsthand the ongoing impact of globalization on indigenous traditions. Through the lens of magical realism and mixed media, I aim to depict the synthesis of beauty and darkness that defines our reality. In my film, young Amari navigates this complex landscape, grappling with the relationship between his village and the natural world, often resorting to drawing and dreams to make sense of his surroundings. As our village faces the threat of losing its traditional heritage, I seek to breathe life back into our old folkloric stories. These tales serve as a testament to our origins and provide insight into the rich tapestry of our Caribbean identity. However, our way of life came under scrutiny when cruise tourists witnessed the slaughter of orcas off our shores. The subsequent fallout led to calls for restrictions on whale hunting and a newfound promotion of the whale-watching industry. Yet, I cannot help but question the morality of outsiders dictating the fate of our livelihoods. How can it be acceptable for holidaymakers to wield such influence over the sovereignty of our way of life? Through my film and storytelling, I endeavor to shed light on the complexities of our reality and challenge the notion that progress must come at the expense of tradition and cultural identity.
Director: Akley Olton
Writer: Akley Olton
Producer: Island Rebel Media, Laura Sanz
Key Cast: George Tall 12 Frederick
Country of Origin: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Country of Filming: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Language: English
Subtitles:
Runtime: 00:22:04
