On Air Highlights

Kanak documentary film explores identity and colonial history

17 February 2012

Listen and download: MP3

French colonial history and the representation and treatment of  Kanak people  during the 1931 Colonial Expo in Paris inspired Kanak journalist Brigitte Whaap to explore the story of Marius and his daughter Wassapa.

Marius was part of a group of 110 Kanaks from around New Caledonia sent to Paris to take part in the event which drew 33 million visitors from around the world.  They were exhibited in a Parisian Zoo to entertain visitors with their traditions and  performances. Marius never came back. His daughter Wassapa, born in France , makes to journey back to his home island Lifou, to bury his remains in his tribe.

“The return of Marius “recently screened at the Pacific international documentary film Festival in Tahiti and drew a lot of interest from the public…