The Asmat people live on the southwestern coast of western Papua. a land that has long remained free of outsiders, discouraged by the Asmats' terrifying reputation as cannibals and headhunters.
The film tells the story of Rufinus, a 20 year old Asmat, that will be married. Before that however, he must capture and kill a cassowary, the great solitary bird that lives in the depths of the jungle.
Accomplishing this task will give Rufinus a sense of belonging to the Asmat people, whom their neighbors, the Mimikans call, "We mana wé: the men who eat the man". Parallel to the wedding, spectacular and rare stock film retraces the history of this terrifying people.
Direction: Jean-Michel Corillion
Production: ZED, Odyssée & RAI
Sondrio International Film Festival (Italy)
Worldmedia Festival (Germany)
Columbus Film Festival (United States)