Haniwai Attends Premiere Screening of Powerful Documentary "Noken Killim Meri" on Sorcery Accusations in Southern Highlands
We at Haniwai were honored to attend the premiere screening of a compelling new documentary, a joint production by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Film-Bro.
The film bravely confronted the alarming rise of sorcery accusation related violence in Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands Province. It powerfully shared the stories of survivors and the dedicated frontline activists who are tirelessly working to combat this issue. The documentary delved into the complex factors fueling this violence and highlighted the significant challenges faced by both the government and civil society organizations in addressing it.
The film featured the inspiring work of individuals like Sister Lorrena, a Swiss nun who has provided refuge to over 200 women accused of witchcraft through her 'House of Hope,' and a group of passionate students based in Mendi who are using the impactful medium of street theater to advocate against these harmful practices. The vital work of these activists has been supported by UNDP through funding from the United Kingdom.
The documentary was a powerful and moving experience, shedding light on a critical issue affecting communities in Papua New Guinea. We were proud to be invited to this initial screening and will be sharing more about the film and its important message with our Haniwai community soon. We believe this film will be instrumental in raising awareness and inspiring action against this senseless violence.