New Documentary Film: "Back to Our Land 找路的我們"

The documentary film "Back to Our Land 找路的我們" takes the audience on an emotional journey with a group from the Tayal village of Sqoyaw as they seek to rediscover their ancestral homeland, Srasit. This quest is a testament to their deep desire to reconnect with their roots, guided by stories passed down through generations. The Japanese colonial administration in Taiwan resettled most indigenous communities into towns that were easier to manage, uprooting many from their traditional lands. Led by tribal elders and youths, they brave collapsed cliffs to restore the path to Srasit, where they perform rituals to honor their heritage. Amid reflections on the passing years, a resolve emerges—to preserve the wisdom of the elders for future generations. With some elders unable to make the journey, the team uses an intricate tribal map to unlock Sqoyaw's history and migration tales. "Back to Our Land" is more than a documentary; it's a witness to the enduring bond between a community, its land, and its people. Through captivating visuals and heartfelt narratives, the film calls for the reclamation of ancestral rights and the continuity of cultural legacy—a call that resonates through every frame.

This film was supported by a grant from the Luce Foundation, with additional support for travel from UCLA Asia Pacific Center during the film's production.