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a film
by
Frédérique Lengaigne & Klaus Reisinger
BURMA'S
FORBIDDEN ISLANDS
2004 - documentary - 52 min.
directed by Frédérique Lengaigne & Klaus Reisinger
super 16 mm
For centuries, a remarkable group of seafaring nomads known as the Moken has lived quietly in the idyllic Mergui Archipelago off the southern coast of Burma, sleeping on their boats and existing in harmony with the natural world. Now, though, the peace has been shattered, and the islands and their people are under threat from loggers, fishermen, entrepreneurs and the government.
Synopsis
The Mergui Archipelago of southern Burma is one of the last paradises left on earth. Cradled by pristine reefs, most of the eight hundred islands are untouched and uninhabited except for an outstanding array of rare birds, fish and animals. They are home to a remarkable group of people known as the Moken sea gypsies; seafaring nomads who subsist on whatever the tide reveals to them day after day, entirely in tune with nature. The Moken way of life is based on the tides and the cycle of the moon.
Only a few hundred true free roaming sea gypsies are left in the Archipelago. The Nyaung Wee Moken, a flotilla of 10 boats and 30 people, move from bay to bay, living on their boats for most of the year. They refuse to use fishing nets, and rather hunt in shallow water spearing fish and collecting oysters. Their language is unique and does not exist in any written form.
Long forbidden to outsiders by the Burmese government, this archipelago of untapped riches faces a growing invasion of settlers, loggers, fishermen, tourists and entrepreneurs, all eager to make their fortune. These invaders bring havoc in their wake.
For 6 months, we join clan leader Unying and his extended family of the Nyaung Wee flotilla as they confront illegal loggers and government patrols who invade their islands. We join their hunting expeditions above and below water and share their pain as Abbey's daughter Api becomes ill. Relying on centuries-old customs and traditions, they invoke the spirits' help in healing ceremonies to ensure their survival in such precarious times.
Credits
producer(s)
Klaus Reisinger
Frédérique Lengaigne
Brian Breger
director
Frédérique Lengaigne & Klaus Reisinger
cinematographer
Klaus Reisinger
sound recordist
Frédérique Lengaigne
editor
Steve Olswang
Loye Miller
author
Mischa Gaus
composer
Michael Whalen
second camera
Frédérique Lengaigne
narrator
Stan Watt
executive producer(s)
David Royle
National Geographic
head of Natural History Unit
Keenan Smart
National Geographic
coordinating producer
Anne H. Daniel
production manager
James Byrne
supervising producer
Kathy Pasternak
field production co-ordinator
U Aung Myo Chit
translator
U Maung Win (Moken)
U Aung Myo Chit (Burmese)
assistant editor
Rains Paden
researchist
Jessica Voelker
visual effects artist
Ricardo Andrade
sound editor
David Huber
sound mixer
David Huber
on-line editor
Scott Doniger
colorist
Scott Doniger
stock footage
Compass Films
facilities
Hotwax Recording
Full Circle Post
Video Plus
still photographer
Frédérique Lengaigne
special thanks
Ministry Hotel&Tourism Myanmar
Woodland Travels
U Win Aung
Boat Crew of Htaik Wai Lin
Helena Holland Breger
Gulliver Travels
Herve Flejo
Thuzar Tun
U Aung Myo Chit
Trailers
 | Copyright 2003 NGT&F, INC. |
 | Copyright 2003 NGT&F, INC. |
Links
- Distributed by National Geographic International
- Burma Forbidden Islands wins Cine Golden Eagle 2003
- Burma's Forbidden Islands wins Best Film at Montana Cine International Film Festival
-ORF - Burma: Pirateninseln und Seenomaden