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The Split Horn: Life of a Hmong Shaman in America
| Length: | 55 min |
| Released: | 2001 |
| Ages: |
College Adult |
The Split Horn chronicles the seventeen-year journey of a Hmong shaman and his family transplanted from the mountains of Laos to Appleton, Wisconsin. As a shaman, Paja Thao ministers to the physical and spiritual needs of friends and family with elaborate rituals that bridge the natural and spirit worlds. His young daughter’s narration provides insight into the transition from an Asian village to Middle America.
To his dismay, Paja’s children are losing touch with their family’s ancient traditions as they turn to TV, computer games, and Christianity. Only his youngest daughter, age fourteen, who studies Hmong traditional dance, seems interested in her culture. Paja’s sixteen-year-old son, Xue, works at the local pizza parlor and spends most of this time with his American girlfriend, and Paja’s concern about family unity deepen when Xue reveals his girlfriend is pregnant.The older children have started families of their own, turning to Christianity and severing ties to their ancient Hmong traditions.
Saddened by the splintering of his family, Paja conducts a ceremony and while in trance, discovering that his own soul has strayed from his body. He spirals into depression and spends a year unable to heal himself or perform rituals for others. Ultimately, his personal crisis sets off a family and community response that helps restore the shaman’s strength and reunite his family.
Also available: director Taggart Siegel's earlier film Between Two Worlds
To his dismay, Paja’s children are losing touch with their family’s ancient traditions as they turn to TV, computer games, and Christianity. Only his youngest daughter, age fourteen, who studies Hmong traditional dance, seems interested in her culture. Paja’s sixteen-year-old son, Xue, works at the local pizza parlor and spends most of this time with his American girlfriend, and Paja’s concern about family unity deepen when Xue reveals his girlfriend is pregnant.The older children have started families of their own, turning to Christianity and severing ties to their ancient Hmong traditions.
Saddened by the splintering of his family, Paja conducts a ceremony and while in trance, discovering that his own soul has strayed from his body. He spirals into depression and spends a year unable to heal himself or perform rituals for others. Ultimately, his personal crisis sets off a family and community response that helps restore the shaman’s strength and reunite his family.
Also available: director Taggart Siegel's earlier film Between Two Worlds
"Through his incredible access to the Thao family, Siegel reveals the untold experiences and stories of the Hmong American community and uncovers a vibrant segment of American society."
‒Chi Wei, San Francisco International Asian American Film
"The script, music, and production values are excellent. This powerful film is highly recommended."
‒Library Journal
" A wise tribute not only to the courage of a fascinating immigrant people, but also to the ability of film to capture that courage."
‒Donald Spoto, author, The Dark Side of Genius
"Highly recommended for Asian American Studies, Asian Studies, Anthropology, Religious Studies, Social Sciences."
‒Kathleen Loomis-Sacco, SUNY College at Fredonia for Educational Media Resources Online
‒Chi Wei, San Francisco International Asian American Film
"The script, music, and production values are excellent. This powerful film is highly recommended."
‒Library Journal
" A wise tribute not only to the courage of a fascinating immigrant people, but also to the ability of film to capture that courage."
‒Donald Spoto, author, The Dark Side of Genius
"Highly recommended for Asian American Studies, Asian Studies, Anthropology, Religious Studies, Social Sciences."
‒Kathleen Loomis-Sacco, SUNY College at Fredonia for Educational Media Resources Online
San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, 2001
