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Cowboy and Maria in Town

Les McLaren
Annie Stiven
1991 Australia 59 minutes papuan

In Papua New Guinea, the number of villagers leaving for the suburbs of cities increases every year. Like many others hoping for an easier life, Cowboy and Maria have chosen to settle in Port Moresby, the capital city. Maria is a seasonal gardener and her husband works as a night watchman. They lead a precarious life in their ramshackle dwelling. Whenever a child is born in the neighbourhood, he is first told about his native village: ” In Moresby I am standing on earth, whereas my home is in heaven.” During his last imprisonment, Cowboy pledged himself never to steal again. He made his electric guitar himself, using discarded equipment, and started singing in the streets.He is a popular singer now. This modern storyteller describes with humour the life poor villagers lost in Moresby have to live.

Production :
Les McLaren; Australian Film Commission; Australian Broadcasting Corporation; Institute of PNG Studies
Distribution :
Documentary Educational Resources (D.E.R.); Vingan Pty Ltd
Editing :
Les McLaren; Annie Stiven
Sound :
Lahui Geita
Photography :
Les McLaren; Chris Owen

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