30th European Union Film Festival 2021

30th European Union Film Festival 2021 From 6 to 21 May

Catch the award-winning Swiss-made drama ‘Paradise War – The Story of Bruno Manser’ at the European Union Film Festival 2021, a celebration of European film culture.

THE TRUE STORY OF A SWISS ENVIRONMENTALIST

Directed by Swiss filmmaker Niklaus Hilber and starring actor Sven Schelker, ‘Paradise War – The Story of Bruno Manser’ won ‘Best Actor’ at last year’s Swiss Film Awards.

The film is based on the true story of Swiss environmental activist Bruno Manser (1954-2000). In 1984, Manser travelled into the jungles of Borneo and encountered the nomadic Penan tribe. When the existence of the Penan was threatened by relentless deforestation, Manser took up the fight against logging with a courage and determination that made him one of the most renowned environmentalists of his time.

This fictional drama beautifully shows the journey of Manser ‘going native’ in the Penan tribe. Director Niklaus Hilber captures Manser’s naivety and innocence, portraying him as someone on the path to self-discovery who gets drawn into the Penan’s struggle for livelihood rather than a ‘white saviour’ trying to ‘enlighten’ indigenous people. After sacrificing everything to save the Penan’s livelihoods, he eventually gains international support from renowned figures such as Al Gore, Kofi Annan and Prince Charles.

The film ends with Manser disappearing in 2000 in Sarawak, after which he was never seen again.

THE MAKING OF THE FILM

Paradise War was shot in 76 days in Switzerland, New York, Budapest and Borneo, but was prepared over a period of ten years. With a budget of 6M Swiss Francs (7M SGD), it is among the most expensive of all Swiss productions. The massive production took the team to remote locations among the last remnants of primary jungle on Borneo. The actors were cast from among the original Penan people, who continue their struggle to this day. With shots of breathtaking landscapes and soundtracks by Academy-Award winner Gabriel Yared, Paradise War is an aesthetically grandiose film that casts light on current environmental issues.

AWARDS

Zurich Film Festival, Science Film Award 2019 Swiss Film Award, Swiss Film Award, Best Actor 2020 Swiss Film Award, Swiss Film Award, Best Film Editing 2020 (Nomination) Swiss Film Award, Swiss Film Award, Best Fiction Film 2020 (Nomination)

SCREENING INFORMATION Venue

The Projector 6001 Beach Rd #05-00 Golden Mile Tower Singapore 199589

Language: English, Swiss-German, Penan with subtitles in English Date and time: TBA – check our Facebook page or website for updates To view the festival’s full programme, please visit www.euff.sg

Article courtesy of Embassy of Switzerland in Singapore and EUFF Organisation Committee, photos courtesy of A Film Company