IMDb 0 1997 HD

Cracks in the Mask

Cracks in the Mask

1997
Documentary
57 min NR Australia
0 IMDB

A century ago the Torres Strait Island were the subjects of the famous Cambridge Anthropological Expedition - the resulting depletion of their cultural artifacts left them with nothing…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Frances Calvert
Starring
Ephraim Bani / Petharie Bari / Stewart Coulter / Antonia Lovelace / Charles Hunt / Anthony Shelton / Jacques Hainard / Anita Herle

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

poignant reflective determined insightful somber essential vital earnest powerful thought-provoking moving urgent

Reviews

I
Isabelle Dubois
May 14, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This SBS Independent production, 'Cracks in the Mask,' offers a powerful and deeply personal perspective on cultural heritage. The film follows Ephraim Bani as he travels to European museums, confronting the legacy of the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition. The…

T
Thomas O'Connell
May 14, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

‘Cracks in the Mask’ presents a poignant exploration of cultural dispossession and the quest for reclamation. The film centres on Ephraim Bani’s visit to European museums, seeking to reconnect with the turtleshell masks that are absent from his…

S
Sophia Chen
May 14, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A masterclass in documentary storytelling, 'Cracks in the Mask' is an urgent and vital film. Ephraim Bani's journey to reclaim his heritage from the hallowed halls of European museums is nothing short of heroic. The film masterfully illustrates…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 14, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This SBS Independent production offers a compelling, if at times somber, examination of cultural repatriation. 'Cracks in the Mask' follows Ephraim Bani as he confronts the physical absence of his people's heritage in foreign institutions. The film's narrative…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 14, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A profoundly moving documentary, 'Cracks in the Mask' casts a stark light on the enduring consequences of colonial expeditions. Ephraim Bani's pilgrimage to European museums is more than a personal quest; it's a powerful assertion of cultural ownership…

FAQs

The film adopts a tone that is both poignant and determined, reflecting the gravity of cultural dispossession alongside the resilience of those seeking to reclaim their heritage. It is an SBS Independent production, suggesting a commitment to authentic storytelling. The narrative likely blends documentary elements with a personal journey, creating an intimate and insightful viewing experience that underscores the emotional and historical weight of Ephraim Bani's quest.