She has long been a legend: Whang Od, the 108-year-old tattoo artist from Buscalan – and the oldest Vogue cover model of all time. Her village in the Philippines lies high up in the mountains, remote and difficult to reach. Yet people still come to have her tattoo them. Whang Od is one of the few who has mastered an ancient tattooing technique called batok. The entire village depends on her art for its livelihood. But what will happen to the community when the matriarch eventually passes away? “It’s the elders’ job to make sure everything runs smoothly,” says Whang Od. And indeed, under her leadership, the village has changed. There is work because many visitors come; there are larger houses, and finally electricity for everyone. For many Filipinos, getting tattooed by her has become a ritual. She mixes her ink with soot and water, and using the thorn of a citrus tree, she taps her signature – three dots – into the skin of her guests. Batok is the name of this ancient technique, which she once learned from her father. Back then, the men of her tribe were still headhunters; if they succeeded in killing an enemy, Whang Od would tap the warrior Batok into their bodies. Tattoos were considered a sign of courage. For years, Whang Od has been preparing her successors. She has chosen her grandnieces, Grace and Elyang, to carry the Batok tradition into the future: Whang Od has taught them the technique and explained the ancient motifs to them—now the responsibility rests with them. Yet many visitors come primarily because of the legendary old master. Her advanced age, her story, and her presence are all part of the fascination. Can Grace and Elyang step out of the matriarch’s shadow? What will happen if Whang Od falls ill – or can no longer tattoo? Will the village of Buscalan be able to maintain its prosperity? And will the world continue to make the arduous journey into the mountains? A film about tradition and change, about female authority and cultural heritage—and about a village whose future is inextricably linked to the life of an extraordinary woman.