Movie Details
Original Language:English
Production Companies:Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Cast & Crew
M
Mark Worth
Director
M
Mark Worth
Writer
J
Janet Bell
Producer
Land of the Morning Star
57 minDocumentary
The western half of the island of New Guinea has been known by many names including Netherlands New Guinea West Papua Irian Jaya and Papua It is an extraordinary place where snowcapped mountains drain into massive rivers and 250 languages are spoken For centuries the world has jostled for control of this rugged isolated region with its abundant natural resources and strategic position Through eyewitness accounts and rare archival film this fascinating documentary paints a picture that is intimate in detail but epic in scope It is a sweeping saga of colonial ambitions cold war sellouts and fervent nationalism which highlights the role of players such as Australia and the UN at crucial points