WORKING IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

It is not an overstatement to describe life on Misima Island, Papua New Guinea as an adventure. Nature is both stunning and brutal. Daily life is both invigorating and precarious. As Bryan Pitcher hikes through the dense bush or floats like a leaf on the high sea, he occasionally wonders if he has gone mad. The risks of being alone, not knowing the language, and without any means to call for help—should anything go wrong—are always present. However, in spite of that reality, Pitcher never feels in too much danger even though he is repeatedly warned by locals about the perils of the region.

The people of Misima (aka Misimans) are extremely shy and modest in spite of any assumptions you may have about them. They are, however, welcoming and kind, which is evident by how quickly they embraced and allowed Pitcher to invade their privacy with an intimidating camera pointed in their faces. Practically speaking, there is no access to television, cable, or internet on the island and so a documentary film is an unfamiliar concept for most Misimans. They know about action films like Rambo but nothing about documentaries. Nevertheless, filming proves to not only be enjoyed by Pitcher but by the villagers too. There is a sense among them that they are involved in something special.