In 2017, Taiwanese scholars discovered skulls labeled Formosa and Botan in the skull room of the University of Edinburgh. It was confirmed that these skulls likely belonged to the Paiwan people who were taken away during the Battle of the Mudan Incident in 1874. This film documents an unprecedented event in Taiwan: the first international repatriation of remains led primarily by Indigenous people.
This documentary develops in a logical way. We learn that it usually goes against the culture to bring the skulls back as they did not die of natural causes. However, the leaders were open to bringing the skulls home once it was confirmed they came from Mudan. The production is well made with good camera work, audio recording and editing. I particularly enjoyed how the rituals and ceremonies were shot and the close up on the fires for the cleansing ritual. Many indigenous communities like Taiwan's have faced the implications of trying to get stolen artifacts back. A UN Declaration has deemed that Indigenous people have the right to reclaim their artifacts. This film was made in Taiwan in 2024 and it shows a bit about the lives of the Mudan tribe and their culture. The work of the director, Wang Ling-Jung, stands out. She is a member of the Kuskus tribe from Mudan Township which gives her a starting base of what she wants to share. Her connections allow her to gain insights that someone not from the tribe would know. Her background in producing oral history documentaries pays off as the concerns of the elders are voiced in the film. My favorite part is the cleansing ritual that was done before the skulls were returned. That part was touching as all the communities in Mudan came to celebrate. It marked a start for them to gain a piece of their history back.
The film's message is about Indigenous empowerment and restoration.
I give The Homecoming 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults, particularly for those interested in Indigenous culture. By Motunrayo A., KIDS FIRST!
In 2017, Taiwanese scholars discovered skulls labeled Formosa and Botan in the skull room of the University of Edinburgh. It was confirmed that these skulls likely belonged to the Paiwan people who were taken away during the Battle of the Mudan Incident in 1874. This film documents an unprecedented event in Taiwan: the first international repatriation of remains led primarily by Indigenous people.
This documentary develops in a logical way. We learn that it usually goes against the culture to bring the skulls back as they did not die of natural causes. However, the leaders were open to bringing the skulls home once it was confirmed they came from Mudan. The production is well made with good camera work, audio recording and editing. I particularly enjoyed how the rituals and ceremonies were shot and the close up on the fires for the cleansing ritual. Many indigenous communities like Taiwan's have faced the implications of trying to get stolen artifacts back. A UN Declaration has deemed that Indigenous people have the right to reclaim their artifacts. This film was made in Taiwan in 2024 and it shows a bit about the lives of the Mudan tribe and their culture. The work of the director, Wang Ling-Jung, stands out. She is a member of the Kuskus tribe from Mudan Township which gives her a starting base of what she wants to share. Her connections allow her to gain insights that someone not from the tribe would know. Her background in producing oral history documentaries pays off as the concerns of the elders are voiced in the film. My favorite part is the cleansing ritual that was done before the skulls were returned. That part was touching as all the communities in Mudan came to celebrate. It marked a start for them to gain a piece of their history back.
The film's message is about Indigenous empowerment and restoration.
I give The Homecoming 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults, particularly for those interested in Indigenous culture. By Motunrayo A., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST! Goes Local: Submit a review & win!
