Splinters

Splinters is a fascinating documentary filmed in 2011, directed by Adam Pesce, capturing the heart and soul of Papua New Guinea surfing culture through a lens that blurs the boundary between fearless artistry and reverential homage. The film beautifully traverses the intersection between indigenous living and the passionate embrace of an imported culture.

The title "Splinters" stands as a testament to a stand-out line from the film, symbolizing how surfing in Papua New Guinea was introduced on the jagged fragments of wrecked canoes and timber scraps. This very metaphoric claim suggests that even small pieces of debris can instigate a ripple effect, leading to a cultural revolution that pulses through generations.

The movie vividly charts the evolution of surfing in Papua New Guinea, exploiting the backdrop of the stunning coastline to foster a narrative that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally compelling. Reinforced by Pesce's directorial flair, the film solicitously unpacks the profoundly transformative impact that the sport has had on the local communities, leaving no stone unturned.

A distinguishing element of Splinters lies in its bold choice of subjects, a select group of local villagers who embody the passion, resilience, and above all, the tenacity to excel in this exacting sport. The film follows these characters unflinchingly, tracking their journey from obscurity to the national surfing championships, thereby presenting an in-depth study of ambition, rivalry, personal struggles, and triumph.

The protagonist's, Angelus Lipah's, story stands out. A young and talented surfer, Lipah’s journey of ambition, challenges, and launching a surfing club forms one of the movie's emotional cores. Lipah's storyline, combined with other equally interesting narratives, draws the viewer into the heart of the community, their dreams, and the buoyant spirit that keeps them afloat in the face of adversities.

Pesce also interprets the complex cultural implications of surfing in this indigenous population in parallel with the personal stories. The cultural dynamics of the village, the traditional gender roles, and societal expectations are at crossroads with the new foreign sport and its modern ideals.

The evocative surf sequences, which undeniably form the film's heart, are gloriously brought to life in their raw, invigorating energy and encapsulate the spirit of surfing - the pursuit of freedom, the joy of conquest, and the deep, awe-inspiring respect for the colossal force of nature that is the ocean.

Pesce’s craft in visual storytelling unravels not just the competitive surfing scene but also the vast socio-cultural landscape surrounding it. His thoughtful handling of the film's dreamlike quality, intertwined with gripping reality, allows for honest portraits of the characters to emerge. The spectacular imagery, combined with real-life drama, systematically punctuated by earthy humour and the honest voices of the protagonists, are aspects that contribute beautifully to the overall quality of this film.

Splinters offers a fascinating view of how an external influence can impact a traditional society and how communities adapt and evolve with it. The intersection of tradition and modernity forms a significant part of the narrative thread, as it explores the desires, aspirations and identity crises of the characters. Conversely, it also demonstrates the enactment of power structures, norms, sexism, and other deeply ingrained societal issues that come to the fore due to these collision of worlds.

In essence, Splinters is an intimate visual ode to the spirit of surfing, capturing its beauty and challenges while simultaneously taking a deep dive into the lives of the surfing enthusiasts in Papua New Guinea. These facets make Splinters a compelling watch, as the viewer is drawn into a narrative that is as absorbing as it is enlightening, all the while imbibing the inspirational spirit of this incredibly transformative sport. It's an evocative piece, narrating a story of people, passion, tradition, and the unequivocal power of the ocean.

Summing up, the 2011 film Splinters stands as a testament to how surfing, starting on pieces of wood, has become an emblem of hope, aspiration, competition, and survival for the people in Papua New Guinea; this beautifully crafted narrative by Adam Pesce makes for a touching journey worthy of appreciation by audiences worldwide.