The Nuer Part 1

Duration: 1600

Year Published: 1971

Complete Record: Presents the important relationships and events in the lives of the Nuer, nilotic people in Sudan and on the Ethiopian border. A visual record of the rhythm and harmony of the life of the Nuer - the tall and graceful Nilotes of Ethiopia and the Sudan who call themselves Nath, or the real people. The tribal life-habit, means of survival, and customs are shown in this anthropological document. Photography by Robert Gardner of the Film Study Center of Harvard University. "Portrays the Nuer, Nilotic herdsmen of the Nile basin. Shows how their daily lives revolve about their cattle, and depicts the psychological bonds between them. Includes extensive use of Nuer music and poetry." "A poetic film concentrating on evocative images of life among a group of Nuer living in Ethiopia. Creates a strong and memorable impression of the people, their cattle, their artifacts, and their land. On occasion, an English narration is used to give a more anthropological account of events, especially; a bride price dispute, a ghost marriage, a revitalistic ceremony intended to combat a smallpox epidemic, and the climax of the film, a gar initiation where two boys receive the forehead incisions of manhood."