Anthropology on Screen: 10 Films to Expand Your Cultural Horizons

Description: This Australian thriller delves into Aboriginal culture and mysticism as a lawyer investigates a murder, uncovering ancient prophecies and the clash between modern law and traditional beliefs.

Fact: The film was one of the first to seriously address Aboriginal spirituality and its clash with Western legal systems.

Description: This comedy-drama explores the cultural clash when a Coca-Cola bottle falls from the sky into a remote Kalahari Desert tribe, leading to a journey of discovery and misunderstanding. It's a light-hearted yet insightful look at how different cultures perceive and interact with the modern world.

Fact: The film was a surprise hit, becoming one of the highest-grossing foreign films in the U.S. at the time. It also sparked interest in the San people, leading to increased tourism in the Kalahari.

Description: Set in the 18th century, this film examines the impact of European colonization on indigenous Guarani people in South America. It's a story of conflict, faith, and the clash of civilizations, making it a profound anthropological study.

Fact: The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and features a powerful score by Ennio Morricone.

Description: This epic Western tells the story of a Union Army officer who integrates with a Lakota tribe, providing an in-depth look at Native American culture, the beauty of the American frontier, and the tragic consequences of cultural clash.

Fact: Kevin Costner, who directed and starred in the film, won the Academy Award for Best Director, and the film itself won Best Picture.

Description: This historical drama follows a Jesuit priest in 17th-century Canada as he attempts to convert the Algonquin people, offering a nuanced look at cultural exchange, misunderstanding, and the harsh realities of colonial encounters.

Fact: The film was shot in Quebec and Ontario, with many scenes filmed in actual historical locations.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows three Aboriginal girls as they escape from a government camp designed to assimilate them into white society, highlighting issues of cultural identity, resilience, and the impact of forced assimilation.

Fact: The film was shot in Western Australia, following the actual route the girls took, and features authentic Aboriginal actors.

Description: Terrence Malick's film explores the early days of the Jamestown settlement, focusing on the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith, offering a poetic examination of cultural encounter and the impact of colonization.

Fact: The film was shot in Virginia, with many scenes filmed on the actual site of the Jamestown settlement.

Description: This film follows two white children lost in the Australian outback, where they encounter an Aboriginal boy on his walkabout. It's a poignant exploration of survival, cultural differences, and the beauty of nature through the eyes of innocence.

Fact: The film was shot in the Australian outback with minimal dialogue, relying heavily on visual storytelling to convey its themes.

Description: Three whalers stranded in the Arctic are taken in by an Inuit tribe, leading to a cultural clash and a study of survival, hospitality, and the consequences of cultural misunderstanding.

Fact: The film was shot in the Canadian Arctic, using real Inuit actors for authenticity.

Description: A father searches for his son, who has been kidnapped by an Amazonian tribe. The film explores themes of nature versus civilization, cultural adaptation, and the impact of industrialization on indigenous peoples.

Fact: The film was inspired by a true story and was shot on location in the Amazon rainforest, providing an authentic backdrop.