A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us on Wednesday 4th September 2024 for the screening of Wounded Warriors at the Palace Electric Cinemas in Canberra. With over 80 tickets sold, the event brought together community members, advocates, and the filmmakers to shed light on the critical issue of intergenerational violence in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Exploring the Roots of Violence in PNG
Wounded Warriors offers a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of intergenerational violence on communities in Papua New Guinea, emphasising that trauma – not culture – is the root cause of these harmful cycles. It further highlights the essential role of perpetrators in breaking the cycle of violence.
The film follows Laka, a young father from a close-knit village in Central Province, as he grapples with the violent echoes of his upbringing. On the brink of losing his family, Laka must confront his own behavior and strive to forge a new legacy, driven by love, communication, and traditional wisdom. His journey reflects the broader struggle to dismantle the chains of intergenerational trauma and create a safer, more hopeful future for the next generation.
Inspiring Change through Film
The screening of Wounded Warriors was followed by a dynamic Q&A session with the filmmakers, providing a space for meaningful dialogue and reflection. The filmmakers hope that the film will inspire a deeper understanding of violence in PNG, help break down barriers, and encourage communities to take action towards change.
We were incredibly grateful to have Micheline Erbes from the Papua New Guinea Women’s Association of Victoria (PNGWAV), along with Olive Sergeant, Joyce Vali, and Richard Sergeant from Zolard Media, travel from Melbourne to join us for the event. PNGWAV produced the film with PNG-Australian film crew, Zolard Media, as part of the #ItsNotOurCulture campaign. Funded by the Victoria State Government, this campaign aims to dismantle harmful narratives around intergenerational violence and shine a light on the urgent issue of family and gender-based violence in PNG.
Sparking the Conversation
As communities in PNG and and around the world continue to confront the long-term impacts of trauma, it is through awareness, dialogue, and collective effort that we can hope to break the cycle of violence.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended the screening for being part of this important conversation and for supporting the ongoing efforts to address family violence in PNG. Together, we can work towards a future where the cycle of trauma is broken, allowing the next generation to thrive in a safer and more compassionate world.