Mother Dao, the Turtlelike

“Mother Dao, the Turtlelike” is a film in which its director, Dutch-born Vincent Monnikendam, uses found footage taken out of its original context (shot in early 20th century Indonesia while under Dutch colonial rule) and uses it to tell the story of imperialism. The film achieves what it sets out to do, showing us all the ill effects of colonial conquest (disease, forced conversion, etc.) Monnikendam effectively uses his found footage, used as pro-imperialist propaganda during Dutch’s rule, juxtaposing its original intent with the cruel and bitterly sad advantage of hindsight. Overall, “Mother Dao” is an overlong film that is effective and will last in viewers minds far after they have viewed it.