Once upon a time the only film footage on Mentawai was in the form of Reimar Shefold’s contribution to the 1974 Disappearing World series, The Sakuddei.
The film, as with the series overall, was based on the same audience-grabbing scheme that works like a charm to this day. “Ancient cultures are being obliterated by the rapacious modern world. Check ‘em out before it’s too late”. Cut to credits via an image of the grim reaper.
Of course 40 years on things have changed a bit as in individuals might have disappeared, but the culture is still there. But as a selling point it’s a winner. If you want the audience, you have to press the right buttons. Some things never change. [Read on]
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