Taking Pictures
“TAKING PICTURES is a thoughtful look at the way Western cameras have represented the lives of Papua New Guineans.”
Synopsis
Before the 1970s, the Commonwealth Film Unit represented the people of PNG in a paternalistic way, as curiosities. The unit used pompous voice-overs telling viewers what they should believe. Les McLaren and Annie Stiven are two of a group of Australian filmmakers who have lived and worked in PNG during the past 25 years and who see their roles rather differently. Through their films, they have endeavoured to reflect Papua New Guineans' complexity of thought, language and culture, using a wide variety of filmic styles and techniques. The film features interviews with a variety of Australian filmmakers who have worked extensively in PNG, including Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson, Chris Owen, Dennis O'Rourke and Gary Kildea. This documentary is a fascinating tracing of PNG culture and history from the 1930s until today.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Les McLaren, Annie Stiven
- Original Title
- Taking Pictures
- Country of Origin
- Papua New Guinea, Australia
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 56m
- Production Studios
- Ronin Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Les McLaren, Annie Stiven
Department Leadership Roster
Les McLaren
Director
Annie Stiven
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Taking Pictures.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Taking Pictures
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Taking Pictures about?
Before the 1970s, the Commonwealth Film Unit represented the people of PNG in a paternalistic way, as curiosities. The unit used pompous voice-overs telling viewers what they should believe. Les McLaren and Annie Stiven are two of a group of Australian filmmakers who have lived and worked in PNG during the past 25 years and who see their roles rather differently. Through their films, they have endeavoured to reflect Papua New Guineans' complexity of thought, language and culture, using a wide variety of filmic styles and techniques. The film features interviews with a variety of Australian filmmakers who have worked extensively in PNG, including Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson, Chris Owen, Dennis O'Rourke and Gary Kildea. This documentary is a fascinating tracing of PNG culture and history from the 1930s until today.
Who directed Taking Pictures?
Taking Pictures was directed by Les McLaren, Annie Stiven.
Who stars in Taking Pictures?
The principal cast of Taking Pictures includes Bob Connolly, Robin Anderson, Chris Owen, Dennis O'Rourke, Gary Kildea.
When was Taking Pictures released and how long is it?
Taking Pictures was released in 1996 with a total runtime of 56m.