Sky Above and Mud Beneath (1961)
Men of the space age meet men of the stone age.
In September, 1959, six Europeans leave Cook's Bay on the southern coast of Dutch New Guinea, now West Papua or Irian Jaya, to trek north to the far side of the island. The journey (450 miles, as a crow flies) across unmapped territory took seven months; three Muyu porters died. Near both coasts, the expedition met villagers who invited them to observe rituals and live with them. In the interior, all villagers kept them at bay, and they depended on air lifts from Hollandia for food and supplies. They climbed above 10,000 feet, built 14 bridges, and fought leeches and malaria. The narrator focuses on describing Stone Age savages, headhunters, and cannibals.
Director: Pierre-Dominique Gaisseau
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 92 min
Release Date: May 5, 1961
Screenplay
Editing: Georges Arnstam
Country: France
Language: Français
Original Language: fr
Trailer
Sky Above and Mud Beneath TrailerMore Films by Director: Pierre-Dominique Gaisseau
More Films in Genre: Documentary
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Sky Above and Mud Beneath about?
- In September, 1959, six Europeans leave Cook's Bay on the southern coast of Dutch New Guinea, now West Papua or Irian Jaya, to trek north to the far side of the island. The journey (450 miles, as a crow flies) across unmapped territory took seven months; three Muyu porters died. Near both coasts, the expedition met villagers who invited them to observe rituals and live with them. In the interior, all villagers kept them at bay, and they depended on air lifts from Hollandia for food and supplies. They climbed above 10,000 feet, built 14 bridges, and fought leeches and malaria. The narrator focuses on describing Stone Age savages, headhunters, and cannibals.
- Who directed Sky Above and Mud Beneath?
- Sky Above and Mud Beneath was directed by Pierre-Dominique Gaisseau.
- How long is Sky Above and Mud Beneath?
- Sky Above and Mud Beneath has a runtime of 1h 32m (92 minutes).
- What genre is Sky Above and Mud Beneath?
- Sky Above and Mud Beneath is a Documentary film.
- Where was Sky Above and Mud Beneath produced?
- Sky Above and Mud Beneath was produced in France.