Grades 9-12, College, Adult
Produced by Tracey Groome
DVD Purchase $79, Rent $45
US Release Date: 1993
Copyright Date: 1992
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-326-9
VHS ISBN: 1-56029-476-0
Subjects
Anthropology
Asian Studies
Developing World
Environment
Forests and Rainforests
Globalization
Human Rights
Humanities
Indigenous Peoples
International Studies
Pacific Studies
Social Justice
Social Studies
Awards and Festivals
Silver Apple, National Educational Film & Video Festival
Finalist, Birmingham International Educational Film Festival
Vermont International Film Festival
Dreamspeakers Festival
The Dani and the Asmat come face to face with the modern world in Irian Jaya.
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"Provocative examination of colonialism and humanity's relationship with nature." **** Video Rating Guide for Libraries |
West Papua, also known as Irian Jaya, is the "Amazon of Asia." It is a land of vast jungles and tropical rainforests where, for 25,000 years, numerous indigenous tribes have lived in spiritual harmony with the land. Filmed secretly in Irian Jaya, this documentary is the story of the rich life of two tribes, the Dani and Asmat. It is also the story of their social, political and environmental upheaval.
In 1963, Indonesia invaded Irian Jaya, opening the land up for development and at the same time banning all international observers.
While the Dani's future is threatened by Indonesia's assimilation program, the Asmat tribe has faced the destructive invasion of their land, for the forests contain valuable resources to be exploited.
The indigenous tribes of Irian Jaya have been rendered expendable by multinational concerns and the Indonesian government.
Around the globe, indigenous cultures and pristine environments are losing their battle to survive.
ARROWS AGAINST THE WIND is an emotionally moving production and cautions us to accurately assess the risks of development.
Reviews
"Loaded with vivid images and rare archival footage."
The London Times
"A unique and provocative examination of colonialism and humanity's relationship with nature. With stunning visual acuity, this video documents the tragic social and environmental consequences when a natural relationship becomes unbalanced... This important documentary clearly illustrates the inter-connection between political, social, and environmental actions. Bound to be a good discussion starter, it is highly recommended, especially for high school and academic library collections."
**** Video Rating Guide for Libraries
"This is a film that needs to be seen by students and the general public alike...Arrows in the Wind would make a fine classroom illustration of the problems of post-colonial politics and of development, and I heartily encourage my colleagues to use it as such...Suitable for high school and college courses in cultural anthropology, anthropology of development, vanishing cultures, post-colonial studies, and Indonesian/Oceania studies, as well as general audiences."
Jack David Eller, Community College of Denver, Anthropology Review Database