Betelnut Bisnis (2004)
Documentary, Biography, Health
Length: 51 minutes 49 seconds
Synopsis
This documentary follows several indigenous people of New Guinea as they attempt to earn cash by selling the psychoactive drug betelnut. The money is needed to pay for food, school fees and medicine. Betelnut is grown on the coast and has been a socially acceptable stimulant since ancestral times but is new to the highlands. The camera follows several New Guineans as they go to markets and growers seeking trade.
Curator’s notes
The film looks at the use of and trade in betelnut. By following several characters, Lucas and his wife Kauku in particular, as they interact with others, the quiet dignity and resourcefulness of the people shines through.
| Production company | National Film Institute of PNG |
|---|---|
| Producer | Andrew Pike |
| Commissioning editor (SBSi) | Glenys Rowe |
| Director | Chris Owen |
| Writer | Chris Owen |
Acknowledgements
Produced in association with SBS Independent.
have teacher’s notes.
