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My name is Thois Wanma, I am from Papua, PV (Papuan Voices) Sorong Region.

My name is Immanuel. I am from Papuan Voices, Keerom Region.

What is Papuan Voices?

Papuan Voices is a documentary film community in Papua

Discussing the culture, environment, social life, among others in Papua

Papuan Voices usually produces short documentary films.

What issues are raise by Papuan Voices?

PV films discuss issues such on economy and women's rights

among others.

Films that we make raise a lot of problems not to look for problems.

But for them to serve as educational materials for the Papuan people themselves

for example, making films in Merauke, then friends in Sorong can appear.

Because most of Papuan, people in other districts do not want to know (problems in other areas)

An educational film on how people in Sorong deals with the forest and environment,

or in Merauke such as large-scale plantation investments entering, among others.

At least people in Sorong or Manokwari know.

What are the initiatives of Papuan Voices?

With the films we produced, we can do screenings on campus. Usually in dormitories in Jayapura

Likewise, with Papuan Voices, other regions have screenings and discussions.

That's what PV does.

How are the social conditions in Papua?

When talking about conditions in Papua, It's very broad, having many problems.

such as economic & women's rights struggles. This year there are still various issues

Through PV, these problems are featured and discussed among its audience

So the films were produced to respond and solve these issues

There are rampant issues in society

For one, today, there is a large investment on oil palm plantations coming in

The native people in the area do not know What a palm oil company is and what it does

What are the problems faced by Papuan Voices?

Language affects film production.

An example would be the film I made in Mayalibit Bay, featuring the native tribe of Maya

Along the way, they speak their own language.

There are difficulties to taking and editing pictures.

Because I myself did not understand what they agreed to.

So, I have to find people to translate it into Indonesian and English too.

I come from the Keerom Regency and had to have a long journey.

From one place to another, it takes up to 1 to 2 hours. Local transport is also expensive

Why are you interested in Papuan Voices?

I am interested in PV because I am heavily concerned for Papuans.

Papua is still lagging behind, so I want to share those to people outside the region

That they should not think that Papuans are rich in gold and other minerals because in reality, in the field, it is not like that

When I went down by myself, Papuans were still left behind, faced with several economic problems.

That makes me feel sad, That's why I want to tell other people

That Papua does not need anything from the government, except love and care.

I am interested in PV because I think how to solve these

problems that exist; and as a young person, I want to do what I can do.

So that, when there was training from EngageMedia that helped set up PV, it was very fitting for me.

We produce films not just for the sake of making them but to be watched and understood by people.