“Cannibal Tours” is a 1988 documentary film directed by Australian filmmaker Dennis O’Rourke. It explores the phenomenon of cannibal tourism in Papua New Guinea, where tourists visit indigenous communities, often with the expectation of encountering remnants of cannibalism and other primitive practices.
The documentary follows a group of tourists as they journey through Papua New Guinea, visiting various indigenous communities and observing their traditional customs and way of life. Along the way, the tourists interact with the locals, sometimes engaging in awkward and uncomfortable encounters that highlight the cultural divide between them.
O’Rourke’s film raises important questions about the ethics of tourism and the impact of Western influence on indigenous cultures. It challenges viewers to examine their own perspectives and assumptions about other cultures, particularly those deemed “exotic” or “primitive” by Western standards.
“Cannibal Tours” serves as a powerful critique of the tourism industry and its problematic portrayal of indigenous cultures. It encourages viewers to reconsider their attitudes towards cultural difference and to approach tourism with a greater sense of empathy and respect for the communities they visit.
Cannibal Tours (Thomas Mooney)
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Cannibal Tours” provides a thought-provoking critique of the tourism industry and its often exploitative relationship with indigenous cultures. The documentary exposes the uncomfortable reality of “cannibal tourism,” where Westerners visit remote communities with the expectation of witnessing primitive practices, such as cannibalism, that have long been abandoned or sensationalized for entertainment purposes. The film’s strength lies in its ability to provoke self-reflection and encourage viewers to question the ethics of tourism practices that commodify and exploit indigenous communities for the sake of entertainment or cultural voyeurism. By exposing the often uncomfortable realities of these encounters, O’Rourke prompts viewers to reconsider their attitudes towards cultural differences and to embrace a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in cross-cultural interactions.