23 June 2014

Six Pawa Meri film documentaries to be launched

Australia and PNG will this week launch a series of six documentary films about women leaders in PNG. The Pawa Meri series will be launched at the University of Goroka on 23-24th of June and in Port Moresby 27th of June, 2014.

The Pawa Meri Project portrays strong female role models in PNG society, challenging existing stereotypes about women, and inspiring young women to become leaders within their families, communities and country. The films are an important record of women’s lives in PNG’s history.
 

“With our partners, Australia is proud to provide support for the making and distribution of the Pawa Meri film series,” Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Deborah Stokes, said.

“Women in leadership roles are in a position to change things. They are role models for other women. They have influence across government, the public sector and civil society. They drive women’s contribution to the economy. Papua New Guinea needs more strong women leaders in building a strong and successful nation.”

There are many PNG women leaders achieving extraordinary things throughout the country. The women featured in these films are: Ms Susil Nelson, Mrs Gina Baidam, Sr. Lorraine Garasu, Mrs Rita Kare, Mrs Miriam Potopi and Mrs Jenniffer Baing Waiko. All of these women are successful leaders in their communities. They were captured in documentaries directed by Ms Joys Eggins, Ms Renagi Taukarai, Mrs Ruth J Ketau, Ms Klinit Barry, Ms Janet Munaup and Miss Llane Munau.

The six women come from diverse backgrounds including their province of origin, educational achievements, and their expertise and contribution in the areas of health, education, politics, business, law & justice, and peace and rehabilitation.

The project has strengthened the PNG film industry by providing the opportunity for six PNG women filmmakers to direct each of the Pawa Meri films. During production the directors were mentored and supported by film experts from University of Goroka and Australia.

Ms Joys Eggins, Director of the Port Moresby production, said each film has a different message that will encourage young people to look beyond their circumstance and aspire for greater things for themselves.

“The six women in the films are very strong women who have stood against the odds to contribute effectively and positively in their communities and areas of influence. They have unique and encouraging stories and young people can look to them as role models”, she said.

Bougainville film director Ms Llane Munau said the Pawa Meri Project provided her the path to collaborate with five fantastic Papua New Guinean women filmmakers from different provinces in PNG.

“I’d like to thank our benefactors and our collaborators who have provided an avenue for us to come together and be creative, learn new skills, work hard and direct our own films. This is a once in a life time opportunity for all of us,” she said.

Australia gives priority to gender equality and women’s empowerment in its foreign policy and aid program. Support for women leaders includes establishing the PNG Business Coalition for Women, supporting women vendors in produce markets raise their concerns with local level government, and helping PNG to increase the number of women Village Court magistrates.

Australia supports initiatives to end violence against women, ensure women and girls can access health services and an education, and improve women’s economic circumstances.

After the launch the Pawa Meri films will be available on DVD and distributed to schools and organisations in PNG and the Pacific.