Tanna

Bentley Dean, Martin Butler

Based on a true story and starring members of the Yakel tribe in Vanuatu, this debut feature tells the story of a young girl from one of the world’s last tribal societies who breaks off an arranged marriage to run away with her lover, setting off a war that threatens the future of their people.

DIRECTOR
Bentley Dean, Martin Butler
YEAR
2015
COUNTRY
Australia / Vanuatu
RUNTIME
104 minutes
LANGUAGE
Nauvhal with English subtitles

Tanna is set in the South Pacific where Wawa, a young girl from one of the last traditional tribes, falls in love with her chief’s grandson, Dain. When an intertribal war escalates, Wawa is unknowingly betrothed as part of a peace deal. Soon after, the young lovers run away, but are pursued by enemy warriors intent on killing them. Dain and Wawa must choose between their hearts and the future of their people, while the villagers wrestle with preserving their culture and adapting to the increasing outside demands for individual freedom. Bentley Dean and Martin Butler’s feature debut is based on a true story and its cast features members of the Yakel tribe in Vanuatu.

Tanna
Tanna

Read More

Announcements

FLC announces James Gray’s Paper Tiger as the Opening Night selection of the 64th New York Film Festival, presented in partnership with Rolex. The film will make its North American premiere in a gala debut at Alice Tully Hall on Friday, September 25, with Gray and members of the cast and crew in attendance.

Announcements

Running August 12 through August 20, the 16-film festival will premiere new works alongside special presentations of spine-tingling classics and rediscoveries conjured from the dark recesses of midnight-movie lore, with filmmakers and special guests appearing for post-screening Q&As. 

Podcast

This week we’re excited to present a conversation from the 2026 edition of New Directors/New Films with Do You Love Me director Lana Daher.

Make FLC Your Home for Cinema

Member Discount on All Tickets

NYFF Pre-Sale Access

Pre-sale Access to FLC Series and Festivals

Free Tickets

Exclusive Events

Members-only Newsletter

Film at Lincoln Center Logo

Walter Reade Theater + Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center

165 and 144 W 65th Street

New York, NY 10023


212.875.5825

Be the first to hear exciting news and announcements from FLC, including upcoming programming, special offers, added tickets, and more.