It is important not just to celebrate the landscape of the islands but also their diverse cultural expressions of literary and cinematic traditions. Islands all over the world are the birthplaces of established literary giants, such as Poet Laureate Derek Walcott (St. Lucia), V.S. Naipaul (Trinidad), Jean Rhys (Dominica), and the unknown authors of the Icelandic sagas. Writers and film-makers from island territories present stories that are poignant and authentic, and their voices and visions have come to represent ingenuity and resilience. Here we have selected a variety of literary and cinematic works that indelibly shape the narrative of island territories, and celebrate a sense of identity, empowerment, and creative prowess.
Literature
The Dew Breaker
by Edwidge Danticat
(Haiti)
How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House
by Cherie Jones
(Barbados)
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
by Junot Diaz
(Dominican Republic)
A Brief History of Seven Killings
by Marlon James
(Jamaica)
The Greenhouse
by Audur Ava Ólafsdóttir
(Iceland)
Language of the Geckos and Other Stories
by Gary Pak
(Hawai’i)
Patron Saints of Nothing
by Randy Ribay
(Philippines)
The Astonishing Colour of After
by Emily X.R. Pan
(Taiwan)
The Confessions and Other Stories
by Julian Maka’a
(Solomon Islands)
Film
The Land Has Eyes
Directed by Vilsoni Hereniko
(Fiji)
The Salt in Our Waters
Directed by Rezwan Shahriar Sumit
(Bangladesh)
Whale Rider
Directed by Niki Caro
(New Zealand)
Vai – A Tribute to the Indigenous Women of the Pacific Islands
Directed by various directors
(Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga)
The Sweetest Mango
Directed by Howard Allen
(Antigua and Barbuda)
Blinded
Directed by Anderson Quarless
(Grenada)
These selections serve to explore the vivid diversity of island culture, while highlighting universal themes, and we hope that this list inspires you to delve into the film and literature of the islands. What are some of your favourite books and films that you would like to share with us? Let us know in the comments!
I joined Island Innovation in July of 2021, after being an Island Innovation Ambassador since January of the same year. As Content Manager, I am responsible for, among other things, organising sponsorships, content strategy design and implementation, reviewing social media channels, and creating content to promote specific Island Innovation events. One of the best things about working with Island Innovation is the opportunity to work with like-minded and supportive colleagues who facilitate each others’ efforts to fully implement the vision of Island Innovation. I truly believe that this vision will make this world a better place by enhancing the ability of island communities to operate collaboratively, and thereby become more sustainable and resilient. I am quite enthusiastic and driven, so it is wonderful to work with colleagues who match and encourage my enthusiasm and relentless positivity!
