2022 CAMDEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
The sun serves a plethora of functions in our daily lives, and the reality is that without it we would all cease to exist. There doesn’t appear to be any need to thank the sun for doing what it does, unless you are the Waponahkik people. Weckuwapok (The Approaching Dawn) depicts these individuals praising the sun, thanking it for another day, and accepting the reality that they are at the mercy of nature. They are simple people, and they know what they have is sacred. Through song and ritual, this group shows the world just how thankful they are for their time here on earth.
There’s no denying that a little simplicity in life can go a long way. It can free our minds, relieve stress, and take us back to a place in our lives when we felt free from the constant headache of adulting. Part of enjoying some simplicity is being able to look past the hardships that we face and understanding and appreciating all of the beautiful things that we have in our lives. Sometimes those things are our loved ones, sometimes the fact that we are financially stable, and other times just understanding that we are alive and well is enough to remind us that life is good. The sun reminds the Waponahkik people of all of these things; it expresses to them that a new day is upon them and that they truly do have something for which to be thankful. Weckuwapok (The Approaching Dawn) works toward expressing these ideas of simplicity to the world, and I think that this group is able to express themselves succinctly and beautifully. It’s a wondrous sentiment present throughout the course of Weckuwapok (The Approaching Dawn), and viewers who are willing to look inward, see the beauty in the things around them, and want something special in their lives will be able to appreciate this message.
True passion can be hard to come by these days. It often seems that we are looking for clout, money, etc., rather than looking for the things that truly matter–things like genuine happiness. Weckuwapok (The Approaching Dawn) takes a step toward expressing an authentic passion for life to the world. To see individuals literally choked up when talking about their appreciation for a new day is moving; it’s something we don’t often see anymore. It’s interesting to see a group of people with little in terms of physical possessions find such beauty in the world around them–but it reminds us to be thankful, passionate, kind, and everything in between.
It seems that the Waponahkik people are ones of metaphor–always presenting ideas to viewers in a way that doesn’t simply give them answers, but allows them to think. Weckuwapok (The Approaching Dawn) does a wonderful job of capturing this sentiment, using metaphor to drive the film home, and expressing to viewers the importance of love and appreciation. With music, spoken word, and ritualistic experiences being depicted on screen, Weckuwapok (The Approaching Dawn) is incredibly poetic in its approach. It, again, plays on the idea of metaphor–always providing viewers a compass of sorts, but, more importantly, providing them a way to make better decisions and see the beauty in front of them.
Through everything that the Waponahkik presents to viewers, emotion rises to the surface. Reaching back once again to the brilliant display of passion, Weckuwapok (The Approaching Dawn) develops a layer of emotion that permeates the film and transcends viewers, potentially causing viewers to shed a tear (of happiness, sadness, or even both). This film is far-reaching, marvelously constructed, and full of honesty and vigor in a way that we need more of in life.
In a film that depicts individuals that may appear to live on the fringes of society, far from what we see on a regular basis, Weckuwapok (The Approaching Dawn) does a wonderful job of making the story and the emotions accessible to all. This film reminds us of the little things in life, the reasons to be happy, the reasons we wake up each and every morning. Through a celebration of the sun–something that feels so menial in the grand scheme of life, Weckuwapok (The Approaching Dawn) is expressive in all the right ways and powerful to the perfect degree.
Directed by Jacob Bearchum, Taylor Hensel, Adam Mazo, Chris Newell, Roger Paul, Kavita Pillay, Tracy Rector, & Lauren Stevens.
Starring Chris Newell, Roger Paul, Lauren Stevens, Matt Dana II, Yo-Yo Ma, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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