Movies and TvShows featuring "ethnography" theme.

In 10,000 BC, a tribe of hunter-gatherers called the Yagahl live in the Urals. D'Leh, a young hunter, forms a bond with Evolet, an orphan. When horse raiders capture Evolet, D'Leh sets out on a quest to save her. Along the way, he forms alliances with other tribes and discovers an advanced civilization ruled by 'The Almighty.' With their help, D'Leh leads a rebellion to free the slaves and defeat The Almighty. Ultimately, D'Leh rescues Evolet, and they return to their tribe with grains to transition from hunter-gatherers to farmers.

Tabu is a tragic romance set on an exotic island in the South Pacific. It tells the story of a pearl diver who falls in love with a young girl, but their love is threatened by a series of tragic events and cultural barriers. The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the clash between nature and civilization.

Daughters of the Dust tells the story of a Gullah family as they face the challenges of preserving their culture and traditions in the face of change. Set in 1902, the film explores themes of slavery, mysticism, and the complex relationships between family members. Told through the perspective of the great-great-grandmother and great-great-granddaughter, the film delves into the struggles and triumphs of the Gullah people.

Nanook of the North is a groundbreaking documentary that provides a glimpse into the life of an Inuit family in the Canadian Arctic. The film showcases their struggles with hunting, survival, and the harsh Arctic climate, while also shedding light on their rich cultural traditions and unique way of life.

Burden of Dreams is a documentary that follows the tumultuous production of the film "Fitzcarraldo" directed by Werner Herzog. The film explores the challenges faced by the director and his crew during the shooting in the Amazon rainforest.

A documentary that explores the strong assimilation efforts, alcoholism, and social issues faced by Aboriginal people in Australia, while also highlighting their rich culture, art, and history. It delves into the legal rights, land rights, and racial tensions that continue to affect the Aboriginal community. The film provides a glimpse into the challenges of surviving and thriving in a colonial society.

The Act of Killing is a documentary that explores the horrifying events of the Indonesian genocide. Through surreal reenactments, it exposes the brutal crimes committed by death squads and their self-justification. The film delves into the psychological and societal effects of the mass killings, revealing the corrupt and violent nature of the Indonesian government.

A five-year visual ethnography of traditional yet practical orchestration of Semana Santa in a small town where religious woodcarving is the livelihood. An experiential film on neocolonial Philippines’ interpretation of Saints and Gods through many forms of rituals and iconographies, exposing wood as raw material that undergoes production processes before becoming a spiritual object of devotion. - A sculpture believed to have been imported in town during Spanish colonial conquest, locally known as Mahal na Señor Sepulcro, is celebrating its 500 years. Meanwhile, composed of non-actors, Senakulo re-enacts the sufferings and death of Jesus. As the local community yearly unites to commemorate the Passion of Christ, a laborious journey unfolds following local craftsmen in transforming blocks of wood into a larger than life Jesus crucified on a 12-ft cross.

In 1810, 20 year old Sara Baartman got on a boat from Cape Town to London, unaware that she would never see her home again, or that she would become the icon of racial inferiority and black female sexuality for the next 100 years. Four years later, she became the object of scientific research that formed the bedrock of European ideas about BFS. She died the next year, but even after her death, Sara remained an object of imperialist scientific investigation. In the name of Science, her sexual organs and brain were preserved and displayed in the Musee de l'Homme in Paris until as recently as 1985. Using historical drawings, cartoons, legal documents, and interviews with noted cultural historians and anthropologists, this documentary deconstructs the social, political, scientific, and philosophical assumptions that transformed one young woman into a representation of savage sexuality and racial inferiority.

The extraordinary life story of science fiction and fantasy writer Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018) who, in spite of remaining for many years on the sidelines of the mainstream literature, managed to be recognized as one of the most remarkable US writers of all time, due to the relevance of her work and her commitment to the human condition.

Chronicle of a Summer is a documentary film that follows the lives of various individuals in France during the summer of 1960. It explores themes of society, working-class struggles, loneliness, and the pursuit of happiness.

John Cohen, founding member of the ‘50s folk troupe the New Lost City Ramblers, started making films in order to bring together the two disciplines he was heavily active in: music and photography. The End of an Old Song brings us to North Carolina, and demonstrates the power of old English ballads sung with gusto while soused in a saloon.

Games of Love and Chance is a heartwarming and humorous film that explores the themes of love, identity, and cultural integration. The story follows a group of teenagers in a Parisian suburb as they navigate through the challenges of relationships, school, and family. When a high school girl and boy from different cultural backgrounds are assigned to work together on a school theater performance, they must confront their differences and learn to embrace each other's unique perspectives. With its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and heartfelt moments, Games of Love and Chance is a delightful exploration of the complexities of teenage romance and the power of love to bridge cultural divides.

Leviathan is a visually stunning documentary that takes viewers into the heart of the fishing industry in the North Atlantic. Through stunning visuals and immersive storytelling, the film explores the harsh realities faced by fishermen and the impact of commercial fishing on the environment. Through a combination of ethnography, anthropology, and sociology, Leviathan provides a unique and thought-provoking glimpse into this often-overlooked industry.

Always for Pleasure is a captivating documentary that takes viewers on a journey through the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans, highlighting the iconic Mardi Gras celebrations and emotional jazz funerals. The film explores the lively parades, vibrant music, delicious food, and joyous dancing that make up the unique spirit of the city. From the colorful costumes and elaborate floats to the mournful sounds of funeral bands, this documentary captures the essence of New Orleans' traditions and showcases the resilience and joy of its people.

In the same vein as Meri's other documentations, this one takes advantage of the glasnost policy to discuss the social and ecologic impact of the Russian oil industry on the natives and the lands they inhabit.