The Sharkcallers of Kontu

For centuries the men of Kontu, a small island off the coast of New Ireland, have caught sharks in a traditional way. They go to sea in fragile canoes, 'call' the sharks, and proceed to catch and kill the fish by hand. Now, after one hundred years of colonization, economic exploitation, and intense activities by the missionaries a mere handful of people is left that still master this ancient skill. A skill which constitutes the most tangible link with their original culture. Dennis O'Rourke lived in Kontu for six months and was allowed to record the ritual 'shark calling' on film. Besides, he tried to analyse the way in which Western influences will eventually destroy this ancient culture. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)