This is an example of the artistic approach I’m taking in the documentary. The cinematic visuals that I personally filmed will be juxtaposed with raw footage shot by the subjects themselves. By letting the subjects have control over their own handheld camera, I enabled them to literally take control of their own narrative and vulnerably reveal their perspective to the audience. The contrast between my cinematic footage and their raw footage offers audiences a complex, unique self-portrait that grounds the story within the realities of daily village life.
In reality, the issues these villagers face affects us all
In the example vignette, filmed by one of the main characters, you’ll see how she treats herself to a refreshment after a long morning of work in the garden. This vignette is NOT an excerpt from the forthcoming film. It only serves as an example of the raw footage that was captured during production by the village participants.
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.
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/rain-snack
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
