The Black Orchid

This documentary tells the story about a group of musicians from West Papua called Black Orchid Stringbandwho are in exile in Australia. The group was established in 2011 to continue the legacy of great musicologist Arnold Ap who was also a West Papuan activist and anthropologist.

With emphasis on big harmonies and rhythmic ukuleles, their music draws inspiration from the rich archive of songs written in the spirit of cultural survival and political expression in West Papua. Their songs deeply mirror the imagery of their culture and memory of their homeland.