‘Tradition, Trauma’ from region is focus of Friday film
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The CREATE Project is pleased to present the premiere of "Tradition, Trauma, & Tenderness," at Gowanda's Historic Hollywood Theater on Friday, July 14. Free and open to the public, the 1¢-hour film will begin at 7:30 p.m. A reception in the theater's lobby will follow. All are welcome.
Western New York residents from diverse cultures came together to make this trailblazing documentary. Professionals from psychology and neuroscience describe a wide variety of trauma and the therapeutic value traditions can offer. Passed on in tender family and community settings, traditions can help heal and prevent the impact of trauma.
A montage of images, sound, and song show time-honored practices from around the world.
First person accounts portray traumatic episodes in the lives of children, adults, and seniors. The importance of their traditions and tenderness is revealed in each story.
¯ Plagued by trauma brought on by war, alcoholism, institutional racism, and poverty, a potter and his son describe how their tradition contributed to their survival.
¯ During the 2020 pandemic, a young daughter missed her friends across months of heart wrenching loneliness. An adult son endured the strain of isolation with his job 600 miles away from his family. The devastating loss of a dear grandmother and two beloved aunts led their mother and whole family to unendurable grief. All agree that the tenderness shared through their traditional art forms and caring community helped them heal, remain close, and stabilize their family through the ordeals and trauma born of the pandemic.
¯ An elder in her 70s describes how the pain of institutional child abuse and forced assimilation affected her life from her earliest years. Revival of language, song, dance and other traditions bring her immeasurable pride, healing, and joy.
¯ Widespread trauma resulted when outside powers forced families to relocate. With their land and homes gone, family life and age-old traditions suffered. Bonds were broken. Continuity and stability of community have been impacted for generations. Traditions, preserved and revived, helped a people survive, endure, and grow.
Told through intimate stories like these, the theme of the "Tradition, Trauma,& Tenderness" documentary emerges.
Though the story of traumas and traditions of a particular individual, family, and people are voiced, it becomes apparent that their personal tragedies and triumphs have universal overtones. Any person or people can relate the stories to their own life, family, and community.
The discerning viewer will see themselves - and the stories of all peoples of the world, facing parallel challenges, and prevailing over trauma and tragedy through tender connections. The practice of traditions holds people together.
The film features Native American tradition-bearers Bill Crouse, Sandy Dowdy, Penny Minner, Kari Kennedy, Hunter Skye, Rhylee Hoag, Peter Jones, and Mike Jones.
Renowned psychologist Dr. Darryl Tonemah, Ph.D., discusses how individuals relate to and acquire "identity."
He ponders how certain traits may be inherited through our DNA and epigenetics. He calls for understanding to help children handle stress and trauma. Tomemah highlights the role of traditions in helping families and individuals cope. Tenderness and empathy are essential for optimal family and community functioning.
Neuroscientist Dr. Audrey Hager reveals simple but effective strategies for individuals to cope with stress. She talks about how the brain and body respond to stress. According to Hager, the repetition of tender family traditions, and creative or sensory experiences, can help heal and prevent the impact of trauma. Music, dance, and the arts, shared in tender settings, can help heal and prevent trauma in the brain and body.
Executive producer Valerie Walawender co-directed the film with cinematographer Alex Simmons. Simmons is also responsible for primary videography, narration, sound, and editing. The documentary explores traditions and the universal experience of trauma felt by people and cultures from across the globe.
The "Tradition, Trauma, & Tenderness" film was created with support by Arts Services, Inc. and Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. The CREATE Project board of directors gratefully acknowledges a multitude of volunteers, agencies, and others who contributed to the making of this film including: The City of Dunkirk, Faithkeepers Montessori Language Nest, Warrior Flight Team, Photographer Brandon Rivera, Clymer Central School, Native American Consortium, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Health Tapestry Program, Lori DeCarlo (Restorative Circles), Dunkirk Public Library, and others.
For more information, and to view the film's trailer, please visit the CREATE Project website: www.create-project.com