The Tarahumara of Copper Canyon: Threads of Change 1996
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038; 800-876-CHIP
Produced by Susan Smith
Directed by Susan Smith
VHS, color, 30 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Multicultural Studies, Economics
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Kathleen Loomis, Coordinator of Systems and Technology, Daniel A. Reed Library, SUNY Fredonia, Fredonia, NYThe description of the film given by the producers is to show the impact of introducing technology into the culture of the native peoples of Mexico. It proposes to outline the story of the introduction of a sewing machine into village of Tarahumara natives in the Sierra Madre Mountains and how this sewing machine changed the lives of the people in the village.
After reading the description, I was looking forward to enjoying a film about the impact of Western Technology on native people. This, however, was not the case. The film itself is very diffuse in its focus, bouncing around from topic-to-topic and confusing the viewer. There is little background information given about the culture of the people involved before Western influence, which would have been informative to viewers unfamiliar to the culture.
The film technique is very sketchy and feels like the film maker was using a home video camera rather than professional equipment.
A disappointing film for a topic that could have made an interesting educational experience. Not recommended.