I filmed for a year and a half on the island, and during that time I spent two Christmas holidays with my village neighbors. The footage you see here is some of that extra footage I captured during those celebrations. It will give you a good sense of how it feels to be in the village on Christmas Eve and Day.
In reality, the issues these villagers face affects us all
Misima is the first film to represent the indigenous people who live there. Some say Papua New Guinea has nothing to do with them. Misima Island is so remote that their lives are rendered invisible on the global stage. But the fact is, the very device you are using to read this contains minerals like gold, which is being plundered from places like Misima. In reality, the issues these villagers face affects us all. This project is my attempt to harness the documentary platform to give Misimans a path to visibility.
The only way anyone is going to learn about Misima Island and the documentary film is for me to begin sharing the work publically. If you are watching this, or even reading this note, I am grateful to you for the time and opportunity you've given me to share the work. It means the world to me.
If you'd like to support the film Misima, the easiest thing you can do is share this link to help other’s learn about the film.
https://www.misimamovie.com/updates/christmas-carols
If you can donate, the International Documentary Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has fiscally sponsored our project. So all donations are tax-deductible.
Ateu owa, which means "My heart to you" in the spoken language of Panamisima.
Bryan Pitcher, Director & Producer
