Treasure of the Rice Terraces

A Filipino-Canadian filmmaker travels to Buscalan, a secluded mountain community, to learn about the history and symbolism of Kalinga tattoos from the legendary artist Apo Whang-od and her apprentices. The film explores how this old practice, once banned and despised in Philippine society, has now evolved into a chic and in-demand type of body art that has become a source of pride and belonging for many Filipinos, both at home and abroad. The documentary also highlights the importance of preserving the tattoo culture for future generations and the challenges faced by the community in doing so. It also delves into the issues of stolen mummified bodies, cultural appropriation, stigmatization, and discrimination faced by tattooed individuals.