Back to Our Land | Mysite 1

Feature Documentary

Role: Director
2024｜Documentary｜Colour｜ 60 mins｜Tayal/Chinese/English｜HD

Synopsis

The film "Back to Our Land" takes you 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.

Credits

Executive Producer: Stephen Acabado

Director: Sayun Simung

Production Manager: Jillian Kuo

Photographer: Wei Zhao Yi

Tayal Culture Consultants: 哈踴優豹 Hayun Yobaw ｜黃誠志 Yuraw Nokan

Jew’s Harp: Yumin Hazi