One million inhabitants lived in the unexplored highlands of New Guinea in 1930, surprising gold prospectors from Australia during their expedition.
Synopsis
One million inhabitants lived in the unexplored highlands of New Guinea in 1930, surprising gold prospectors from Australia during their expedition.
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Synopsis
In 1930, Michael Leahy and his brothers ventured into the highlands of New Guinea, a region inhabited by approximately one million people. Their gold prospecting expedition led to an unexpected encounter with the local population. Surviving members of the Leahy party recount their astonishment at this meeting. The film features photographs taken by Michael Leahy and contemporary footage of the island's rugged terrain. First Contact received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature and won Best Feature Documentary at the 1983 Australian Film Institute Awards.
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Why Watch
- See the 1930 gold rush in New Guinea
- Meet the Leahy brothers and their gold prospecting party
- Find out about the native population's reaction
Did You Know
- First Contact grossed $120,000 at the Australian box office.
- The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
- First Contact won Best Feature Documentary at the 1983 Australian Film Institute Awards.
- The Highlands Trilogy includes three films that have won around thirty major awards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What year was the documentary First Contact released?
First Contact was released in 1983.
How much did First Contact gross at the box office in Australia?
First Contact grossed $120,000 at the box office in Australia.
What awards did First Contact win?
First Contact won Best Feature Documentary at the 1983 Australian Film Institute Awards and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
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