First Nations
TROBRIAND CRICKET
Year: 1979
Classification: G
Runtime: 52 min
Produced In: Australia, Great Britain
Directed By: Gary Kildea, Jerry Leach
Produced By: Gary Kildea, Jerry Leach
Language: Tok Pisin dialogue, English subtitles
A multi-award winning film, TROBRIAND CRICKET is a fascinating document about cultural creativity among the people of the Trobriand Islands of Papua New Guinea.
"Trobriand cricket" refers to a unique version of the ball-and-bat sport cricket played by the Trobriand Islanders. They were first exposed to the game by Christian missionaries, who thought the game would discourage war among the natives. However, the game was quickly adapted to Trobriand culture by expanding the number of players, adding dances and chanting, and modifying the bats and balls.
Trobriand culture was brought to the attention of the outside world primarily through the work of Bronislaw Malinowski, one of the founders of modern anthropology. The film demonstrates how, over 70 years, Trobrianders have ingeniously adapted the missionary-introduced sport of cricket to the needs of their society, and how this elaborate new ritual has functioned to soften the impact of colonialism.
'One of the greatest anthropological films of recent times.' - Jean Rouch, Film Quarterly.
Anthropological Director - Jerry W. Leach
Filmmaker - Gary Kildea
Additional Photography - Ernest Sabbath, Rick Washington
With thanks for support, ideas and organisation to The Kabisawali Movement
Produced by the Office of Information, Government of Papua New Guinea
FILMMAKER GARY KILDEA WINS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD! 2006 Festival Jury of the American Anthropological Association. [download pdf below for more information].
Related files
- preview Click here to download Lifetime Achievement Award pdf (PDF 74.3 kb)
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