Zed
Human Stories 52'

Becoming a Man in Melanesia

Becoming a Man in Melanesia follows the epic ordeals of two young men who live on separate islands. And though they will never meet each other, they share a common, singular goal : to make the difficult passage into manhood. Each will face a grueling initiation ritual.

 

To achieve this adult status in Melanesia, Junior from Kontu island in Papua has to capture a shark armed only with a lasso and a propeller, whereas Wabak from Pentecost island in Vanuatu has to jump from a wooden tower, his ankle bound with thick vines.

 

Two ordeals, each with the same goal : becoming a man!

Direction: Jérôme Ségur

Production: ZED for France Télévisions

Languages: French, Brazilian Portuguese, Neutral Spanish, English

awards & festivals

  • Graz Film Festival (Austria)

    Camera Alpin in Gold Prize

  • PROCIREP (France)

    Export Award

  • International Film Festival of Toulon (France)

    Special Jury Mention

see also