Watch Ancestral Land

Ancestral Land is a documentary film that explores the Indigenous rights movement in Papua New Guinea. The film follows the lives of five different tribes as they fight to maintain their connection to the land that has been their home for generations. The tribes are from the Madang Province, located on the northern coast of PNG, and they are each facing their own unique set of challenges in their struggle for land rights.

The film begins by introducing the viewer to the concept of land ownership and use in PNG. In this country, the government owns all the land, but Indigenous communities are permitted to occupy and use it. However, as the population grows and outside interests begin to encroach on Indigenous territories, the government has been increasingly granting leases to extractive industries like mining and logging. This has forced many Indigenous people off their land and created a host of social, economic, and environmental problems.

The film then delves into the stories of the five tribes. We meet the Asmat, whose ancestral lands have been heavily impacted by decades of logging. We see how their traditional hunting and fishing practices have been disrupted, and how their community has been divided by the influx of outside workers. We also meet the Ahus, who have been fighting for decades to stop a proposed mine that would destroy their sacred sites and threaten their water supply. We witness their frustration as they navigate a complex web of regulations and political maneuvering.

Another tribe featured in the film is the Wanang, who have been impacted by a gas project that has caused significant environmental damage. We see how they are working to hold the company responsible and protect their community from further harm. We also meet the Gogodala, who are fighting against the government's decision to grant a lease over their land. This lease threatens to destroy their fishing grounds and disrupt their social and cultural practices.

Finally, we meet the Tikana, who have been some of the most successful in their fight for land rights. They have secured a legal victory that recognizes their ownership of their land and have used this to build a successful eco-tourism business. We see how they have been able to create economic opportunities for their community while also preserving their traditional practices and protecting their environment.

Throughout the film, we hear from a range of voices, including community members, activists, lawyers, and government officials. We learn about the complex political and legal landscape that Indigenous people must navigate in order to secure their rights. We also hear about the devastating impacts that the loss of land and culture can have on individuals and communities.

Despite the significant challenges faced by these Indigenous groups, the film leaves us with a sense of hope and resilience. We see people coming together to fight for their rights, using their traditional knowledge and customs as a source of strength. We witness the power of community-led initiatives, as well as the impact of international solidarity and support. And we see that, even in the face of immense odds, change is possible.

Overall, Ancestral Land is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on an urgent issue facing many Indigenous communities around the world. Through its engaging storytelling and compelling characters, the film invites us to consider our own relationship to land, culture, and identity, and to reflect on the ways in which we can support and learn from Indigenous struggles for justice and sovereignty.

Ancestral Land is a series that ran for 1 seasons (16 episodes) between September 11, 2017 and on Janson Media