Educational Media Reviews Online

From the dramatic opening to the final quote, Frances Calvert's film Cracks in the Mask captured my attention. One by one, traditional masks from the Torres Strait Island glide by on a sea of darkness until the final one which the viewer slowly realizes is the actual face of Ephraim Bani, the current chief and historical expert of the Torres Strait people.

Bani, accompanied by his wife, sets off on a journey to the museums of Europe to view the ancient masks of his culture. They are the first individuals of current generations to see these masks because none are left on the island. Bani states that they are a discontent people as they have lost the content of their history. While they have retained their music and dance and have made new masks, they have lost the skills, the technique used in making the ancient masks. They have a gap in their history.

Bani keeps a journal of his reactions, thoughts and questions brought on by the encounters with his heritage housed in the museums of Europe. Passages from this journal are the basis of his narration. Interspersed with Bani's travels and narration are interviews of the museum curators. Explicitly and implicitly, questions are raised as to the right one culture has to the properties, and heritage, of another. On what conditions, if any, should they give it back? How do museum exhibits present the Other? What impression do the viewers get of the Torres Strait Islanders?

Well made and provocative, Calvert's film, Cracks in the Mask, is suitable for courses in anthropology, ethics, social studies, political science, and museum studies. Highly recommended for high school and college libraries, this film is best suited for ages thirteen and up, allowing for a range of discussions.