Whitehot Recommends: So Surreal : Behind the Masks - a documentary that uncovers the untold story of the ceremonial masks of the Yup’ik people (Alaska) and the Kwakwaka’wakw people

 

 

March 30, 2025

 

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So Surreal : Behind the Masks is a documentary that uncovers the untold story of the ceremonial masks of the Yup’ik people (Alaska) and the Kwakwaka’wakw people (Northwest Coast). Filmmaker Neil Diamond, a member of the Cree Nation (one of the major Indigenous nations of North America) and known for his impactful documentaries such as Reel Injun and Red Fever, brings a unique perspective deeply rooted in his culture and his commitment to preserving Indigenous narratives.

Both an expedition and a spiritual quest, this investigation delves into the history of cultural objects appropriated by Western museums and collectors, from the distant lands of Turtle Island (North America) to the hands of European surrealists. These masks have influenced some of the most renowned modern artists and writers, such as Max Ernst (German painter and sculptor), André Breton (French poet), Roberto Matta (Chilean painter and sculptor), and Joan Miró (Catalan artist). Through this journey, Neil Diamond reveals the lesser-known influence of Indigenous cultures on modern art and follows the quest for the restitution of a mask stolen over a century ago from the Kwakwaka’wakw people.