Pawa Meri: Role Models to Inspire Season 1

Synopsis

Pawa Meri (Powerful Women) is a six-part documentary series portraying the lives of six Papua New Guinean women who have each achieved extraordinary things in life. The women come from diverse backgrounds and represent a variety of themes relevant to development in PNG. Interviews with the women and those close to them create an intimate portrait of their achievements. As a collection of six, the filmic biographies are an important record of women’s lives in contemporary PNG. Susil Nelson is a corporate manager in Port Moresby juggling career and family whilst working to share her knowledge and experience with young female students. Gina Baidam from the remote community of Severimabu on the Fly River, is determined to bring a birthing clinic to her community to prevent mothers and babies from dying during childbirth. In Bougainville, Catholic nun Sister Lorraine Garasu was instrumental in the peace and reconciliation process during and after the civil war and continues tirelessly to help people rebuild their lives. Similarly energetic, Miriam Potopi is one of the first female village magistrates in Manus who has overcome many challenges to maintain a leadership role in her community. Jennifer Baing Waiko from the Markham Valley presents her leadership skills to her community by working in agriculture and preservation of culture, as well as contesting for the national election. Finally, Rita Karre started small, selling food on the streets of Goroka before fulfilling her dream to own a restaurant. Rita’s statement sums up the series when she says: “if I can do it, you can do it!. This series of inspiring stories showcases contemporary life and the challenges women face. As the protagonists of the Pawa Meri series deal with day‐to-day challenges, their positive outlook on life is encouraging to viewers, while the variety of stories makes the series an important resource for learning in PNG and the wider Pacific. Additionally, six female PNG filmmakers have been mentored as part of Pawa Meri, generating a new enthusiasm for media production and filmmaking in PNG and ensuring appropriate representation of female leaders. The directors, talent and film crew come from all over PNG, making it a truly remarkable project covering a wide range of issues. Pawa Meri is an exciting series of films celebrating the unique role women play in contemporary Papua New Guinea.

Main Cast

Episodes

Episode 1

13 September 2014 - Save Meri Skulim Meri

Save Meri Skulim Meri tells how Susil Nelson, an accountant based in Port Moresby works in a largely male dominated profession. She has also been supporting and inspiring young girls to receive an education and develop their careers. Hers is an uplifting story of how family support, hard work and perseverance can have a positive effect for the country.

Episode 2

20 September 2014 - Never Give Up

Never Give Up is a moving story of community worker Gina Baidam from the Western Province who is determined to bring a birthing facility to her community in Severimambu on the Fly River. As community members describe the struggle that pregnant mothers face in this remote community Gina takes the lead in finding assistance to improve their situation.

Episode 3

27 September 2014 - Voice of Change

Voice of Change is set on Bougainville, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea (PNG) coming out of a 10-year civil war. Humanitarian Sr. Lorraine lived through the crisis emerging as a mediator to promote peace and reconciliation. Now she leads the Nazarene Centre assisting individuals and families with their daily struggles, as Bougainville is not just rebuilding infrastructure but its people.

Episode 4

04 October 2014 - Lapan

Lapan is a film about Miriam Potopi, one of the first female village magistrates in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Miriam's charismatic personality and understanding of cultural laws and protocols make her a respected leader in her community. The film captures the many challenges Miriam has overcome in her life.

Episode 5

11 October 2014 - Meri Markham

Meri Markham takes us on a journey with Jenifer Baing Waiko. The film describes Jenifer's return to her community as a woman who has been educated overseas but has not forgotten her roots. Meri Markham follows her journey to stand for the 2012 Markham Open Election.

Episode 6

18 October 2014 - Yu Ken Mekim

Yu Ken Mekim is a story that resonates with many Papua New Guinean women going into business. It is a glimpse into the motivations, heart-aches and sacrifices women experience when deciding to do business. Rita Kare sold food on the streets of Goroka and now successfully runs the Steakhaus Restaurant. The film explores Rita's and her husband Peter's journey of fulfilling their dream.

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Sound	Sound Mixer	Peter Brennan
	Music Producer	Richard Mogu
Production	Producer	Verena Thomas
	Research Assistant	Theresa Maki
	Production Coordinator	Modesta Padokale
Crew	Logistics Coordinator	Modesta Padokale
Editing	Editor	Dana Hughes Madge Szoeke
Department	Role	Name

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