Videos of Stop Sorcery Violence in Papua New Guinea

In this project, Maria Sagrista, the filmmaker, focused on capturing what the activists had to say. Here you have bits and pieces of how they see the situation and what is being done to overcome the problem of sorcery related violence.

This is a 10 minutes introductory teaser that should help you to better understand the situation of Sorcery Related Accusation Violence in Papua New Guinea. If you want to explore more, you can continue scrolling down for more videos.

Videos related to this project

Llane Munau produced this film in January to March 2019 in partnership with Project Sanap, based in Enga. The film addresses the issue of SARV through the journey of two youths, Peter and his sister Grace, who witness a SARV incident in their village. It is about how the children talk about SARV and learn more about it, allowing the audience to experience their learning journey. The film was adapted from a children’s book written by Anton Lutz in 2012. We are also getting this book published as part of the research.
After its release on 19th June 2020, the film continued to play a vital role in messaging on SARV and has increased awareness. It is doing its own job of promoting awareness and increasing understanding amongst many communities. In one case, all the primary school teachers in Central Bougainville showed the film (they downloaded it from the internet) during the teachers’ day training workshop. The teachers saw the children acting and talking about SARV and it touched their hearts. They said: “We have to do this, teach this in schools”.

The film was shown at the Human Rights Festival at the Divine Word University in Madang province, PNG. It has gained momentum and is an important part of what is inspiring people to now be talking about sorcery violence amongst themselves.

In addition, the Bougainville Communications Bureau has taken the film and distributed it widely throughout Bougainville. The film has a life of its own now and we expect to learn more good things about its impact over time.

Strengthening Protections for Human Rights Defenders

The Spotlight Initiative is working with the Constitution and Law Reform Commission to host consultations on a Human Rights Defenders bill. If passed, this will offer additional protections for Human Rights Defenders. In this video, we hear from three organisations who participated in a consultation in Mount Hagen about their experiences and why this bill is important.

Sanguma: Everybody’s Business

Philip Gibbs produced a film with Maria Sagrista in 2018 to highlight the importance of understanding SARV.
Also available as a (17-minute condensed version)

Find out more about this film

Unseen refugees

During his trip to Gommu Village (Rai Coast) to interview the community about SARV, Philip Gibbs also made this film of their situation.

Videos created by students to reflect on Sorcery Accusation Related Violence

SNAP Team

The Sorcery Accusation Related Violence National Action Plan (SNAP – SRAV NAP) is an initiative of many national and international stakeholders to alleviate the issue of Sorcery Accusation in Papua New Guinea. These students have portrayed the activities of the SNAP team in a very funny way.

Luan

Luan, a woman of the street, has a regular life. Suddenly she falls very sick. Was it Ursula’s fault, the buai vendor that always envied her beauty?

Em Ino Posin

Penie, a school boy, lives happy with his family in his village until misfortune and sorcery target him…but… Is it really sorcery?

Early videos of this project

Revisit some of the initial videos from the start of this project.

Countering Sorcery Accusation Violence

Brief contextualising video that explains the situation of the sorcery related violence in Papua New Guinea and introduces the main characters that are taking a stand to make a change.

Interview to Lilly Be’soer

From Minj, Jiwaka, Lilly Be’soer, the leader of the organisation Voice for Change, talks here about Sorcery and Witchcraft Related Violence and Women Empowerment.

Interview to Bishop Anton Bal

From Simbu, Bishop Bal talks about sorcery related accusations, their consequent violence and the approach that the Catholic Church is taking to overcome it.