What They’ve Been Taught

About This Movie

What They’ve Been Taught (2022) offers a nuanced glimpse into Cherokee life, centering on the concept of reciprocity. The film is anchored by an elder's storytelling—delivered in the Cherokee language—which adds an authentic layer to the narrative. The atmosphere is contemplative, almost meditative, as it unfolds slowly, allowing viewers to absorb the cultural richness. The documentary’s pacing is deliberate, mirroring the rhythm of oral tradition. The visuals, though not elaborate, beautifully capture the natural landscape and community interactions, enhancing the themes of connection and responsibility to one another. It’s really about the subtleties in human relationships and language, making it quite distinctive in its approach to documentary storytelling.

Highlights Cherokee language and cultureFocuses on themes of community and reciprocityFeatures storytelling by a first language speaker