The Happy Island (1958)
The Happy Island looks at the work of the London Missionary Society on Gemo (now Hanudamua) Island in Port Moresby harbour, Papua New Guinea, which from 1937-1974 treated people who suffered from infectious diseases, mainly leprosy and tuberculosis. The film offers insight into the attitudes and practices of Christian missionaries of that time. Despite the colonial paternalism that underpins the Missionary Society’s model of care, the film tells the story of a happy, active community, as it follows the lives of the patients, their families and the dedicated staff, all of whom live, work and socialise on the island together.
Director: Ann Gurr
Genre: Documentary, History
Runtime: 26 min
Release Date: March 10, 1958
Production: Film Australia
Country: Australia
Original Language: en
Keywords
christianity, colonialism, cultural studies, pacific studies
More Films by Director: Ann Gurr
More Films in Genre: Documentary, History
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Happy Island about?
- The Happy Island looks at the work of the London Missionary Society on Gemo (now Hanudamua) Island in Port Moresby harbour, Papua New Guinea, which from 1937-1974 treated people who suffered from infectious diseases, mainly leprosy and tuberculosis. The film offers insight into the attitudes and practices of Christian missionaries of that time. Despite the colonial paternalism that underpins the Missionary Society’s model of care, the film tells the story of a happy, active community, as it follows the lives of the patients, their families and the dedicated staff, all of whom live, work and socialise on the island together.
- Who directed The Happy Island?
- The Happy Island was directed by Ann Gurr.
- How long is The Happy Island?
- The Happy Island has a runtime of 26m (26 minutes).
- What genre is The Happy Island?
- The Happy Island is a Documentary, History film.
- Where was The Happy Island produced?
- The Happy Island was produced in Australia.