KALSA BLO MI - RHYTHM OF BALUAN, 34min., Papau New Guinea
Directed by Arjun Gyani
Rhythm of Baluan explores the unique island of Baluan in Manus Province, Papua New Guinea. The Garamut, a traditional drum, shaped like a boom box and the Paluai Suksuk, a traditional dance form from Manus, take centre stage as we find out the meaning of this vibrant cultural practices to the unique people from Baluan.

https://facebook.com/kalsablomi

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I moved from India to Papua New Guinea in 2016. The diversity of Papua New Guinea was definitely a draw when I made the decision to move as I love coming from a culturally diverse country like India. Once I reached and learned about the vibrant cultures in PNG, I was moved and motivated to share PNG's amazing cultures and their narratives with the world. This series, Kalsa Blo Mi is my way of doing that.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

I had the idea to make this series in February of 2022 and began production I. January 2021. We have finished production of 4 documentaries and post production of 2 of them since the. This particular documentary, Rhythm of Baluan was shot in May and ready by July.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Life Changing

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Accessing information from a community living on an island that is unconnected to any network, 2 hours on a dinghy from the nearest city and organising all Pre production elements like research, housing, transport, meals, etc... before getting there.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
thrilled to share the stories of Papua New Guinea with the world and hearing the audience share how much it resonated with them, living across the globe, was really moving

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
it was always either sport or movies for me. I knew before my teens.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
all sorts. My favourites are films and tv based in reality.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I am enjoying my first foray into the world of festivals. Everything is new right now for me to share an informed view on my experience.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Easy, accessible and opened the world up to a small production house in Papua New Guinea.

10. What is your favorite meal?
homemade chicken curry and rice.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
More episodes of Kalsa Blo Mi and a fiction series that we are making in PNG.