Daba - Portrait of a Na Shaman 1999
Following decades of suppression, the Na ethnic group of the Himalayan plateau reclaimed their ancestral traditions in the early 1990s, and at the heart of this cultural revival stands Dafa Luzo, one of the last living shamans known as daba.
Director: Hua Cai
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Daba - Portrait of a Na Shaman (1999) about?
This documentary follows Dafa Luzo, a revered shaman of the Na ethnic group, as he navigates both the demands of daily life and the sacred rituals that defend his community against unseen forces. It's a rare glimpse into the revival of Na traditions after decades of religious suppression.
Who directed Daba - Portrait of a Na Shaman?
Hua Cai directed this poignant documentary, capturing the intersection of cultural revival and personal devotion with striking authenticity.
Who stars in Daba - Portrait of a Na Shaman?
The film centers on Dafa Luzo as the primary subject, with additional focus on his family and community members who participate in the rituals.
Is Daba - Portrait of a Na Shaman (1999) worth watching?
As a 40-minute documentary, it offers a deeply human and visually arresting look at cultural resilience, making it a worthwhile watch for those interested in ethnographic storytelling. While unrated on IMDb, its themes of tradition and renewal resonate strongly.
How long is Daba - Portrait of a Na Shaman?
The runtime is approximately 40 minutes.
About Daba - Portrait of a Na Shaman (1999) — Where Spiritual Tradition Meets Himalayan Revival
Following decades of suppression, the Na ethnic group of the Himalayan plateau reclaimed their ancestral traditions in the early 1990s, and at the heart of this cultural revival stands Dafa Luzo, one of the last living shamans known as daba. In Hua Cai's intimate documentary Daba - Portrait of a Na Shaman (1999), we follow Luzo as he balances the daily rhythms of farm life with the sacred duties of his faith—purifying homes from malevolent spirits, invoking ancestral blessings, and embodying the fragile bridge between past and present. The film captures the stark beauty of the highlands while evoking themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the quiet courage of those who keep ancient rituals alive against the odds.
Shot with quiet reverence, the documentary immerses viewers in a world where spirituality infuses every moment. Luzo's rituals unfold like living history lessons, blending devotion with the practicalities of raising a family on rugged terrain. Hua Cai's lens transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, turning a 40-minute portrait into a poignant meditation on faith, endurance, and the enduring power of tradition in a rapidly changing world.