Becoming a Man in Melanesia

"Becoming a Man in Melanesia" follows the epic ordeals of two young men who live on separate islands. And though they will never meet each other, they share a common, singular goal : to make the difficult passage into manhood. Each will face a grueling initiation ritual.

To achieve this adult status in Melanesia, Junior from Kontu island in Papua has to capture a shark armed only with a lasso and a propeller, whereas Wabak from Pentecost island in Vanuatu has to jump from a wooden tower, his ankle bound with thick vines…

Two ordeals, each with the same goal : becoming a man!