Yumi Yet

In 1975 a period of one hundred years of colonialism came to an end for Papua New Guinea. A population of three million people, speaking a total of about seven hundred different languages and living scattered on hundreds of islands, suddenly constituted one nation. Papua New Guinea got ready for democratic elections, joined the United Nations and prepared for taking part in a quickly changing world. Yumi Yet is an account of the course of events on independence day in a country that, within a century, changed from a culture of head-hunters to a democracy. Nearly everyone is looking forward to the approaching celebrations. Only a rain-maker is muttering that he will spoil the ceremony by evoking immense rainstorms. The radio is calling on all people to dress appropriately on this memorable day. "Long sleeved white shirts and black trousers for the men, the women's clothes should complement the men's." But nobody bothers about these pompous directions. Everyone dresses in traditional fashion, with paint, feathers and flowers. Dignitaries from home and abroad arrive by aeroplane and the ceremony can begin, with Prince Charles standing by to give his blessings to the independence. Although the rain-maker succeeds in arranging a cloudburst the people are cheerful and optimistic when the flag of their new state is officially hoisted for the first time. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)