Forgotten Bird of Paradise

Title: Forgotten Bird of Paradise. (2009, 27min)

Artists: The native peoples of West Papua

Published Date: August 2009

Copyright: © fPcN interCultural: Creative Commons - Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.

Duration: 00:27:00

Genre: World / Tribal / West Papua

Tags/Keywords: OPM, OPM-TNI, koteka, West Papua, Independence, Freedom, self-determination, oppression, www.ipwp.org International Parliamentarians for West Papua, refugees, Melanesia, colonised, genocide, United Nations, Act of "NO" Choice, Act of "FREE" Choice, Indonesian, Brimob, Koppasuss, Yusak Pakage, General Goliath Tabuni

Dimensions: 720 x 576 pixels (Actual)

Format: DivX 5.0, 720 x 576, Millions, MPEG Layer 3, Stereo, 44.100 kHz

Film maker: Dominic Brown

Producer: Dominic Brown

Description: British filmmaker Dominic Brown travelled without the knowledge or authority of the Indonesian authorities in order to film Forgotten Bird of Paradise. THe documentary provides a rare and moving insight into the forgotten struggle for independence that has gripped West Papua for over 45 years. It includes never before seen footage of OPM rebel fighters at their stronghold deep in the Papuan jungle, as well as interviews with human rights victims of the Indonesian regime. 
Most startling of all is an interview conducted with the Amnesty International recognised ‘prisoner of conscience’ Yusak Pakage. He is currently serving a 10 year prison sentence for peacefully raising the West Papuan flag. The interview with Pakage was recorded in secret during a hospital visit where he was receiving treatment for torture. The documentary also provides an insight into recent developments on the international arena including the launch of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua which has seen a number of influential politicians from around the world come together to coordinate international action against the ongoing occupation and bring about means whereby the West Papuan will eventually gain their long lost right of self-determination.
 Frequently breathtaking and thought provoking, the footage that makes up Forgotten Bird of Paradise provides a remarkable insight into a forgotten world where ancient traditions and cultures live on into the modern age. Above all it shows the inspiring resilience of a people who have suffered so much under Indonesian occupation, but whose dream for freedom burns stronger now than at any time in history. Finally their cries are starting to be heard.