Discover the musical legacy and enduring friendship between celebrated Papuan musician George Telek and Not Drowning, Waving’s David Bridie with an in-person post film discussion with both David and George.

In 1986, Melbourne musician David Bridie of the groups Not Drowning, Waving and My Friend the Chocolate Cake travelled to Papua New Guinea, where he heard the heartfelt sounds of George Telek and the Moab Stringband’s ‘Abebe’ (‘Butterfly Song’) on board a bus. It marked the beginning of a profound fascination with the nation and its rich culture – and of a bond with Telek that would last more than 30 years. Together, their collaboration on critically acclaimed albums and tours has helped amplify Papuan stringband sounds and languages like Tok Pisin and Kuanua outside of the country.

Abebe – Butterfly Song combines visits to Port Moresby and Rabaul with archival footage from tours and recording sessions in Australia, Europe and the Pacific as well as candid interviews with the pair, their friends and collaborators. With sensitivity and skill, documentarian Rosie Jones (The Family, The Triangle Wars) has crafted a meaningful portrait not only of two passionate musicians from different backgrounds, but also of the cross-cultural artistic exchange between Australia and one of its closest neighbours.

Rating

CTC

Duration

93 MINS