Men vs. sharks
Synopsis
A 4.5-meter shark is caught by fishermen in Indonesia after a two-hour struggle, illustrating the complex relationship between humans and sharks.
Synopsis
Bijagos men from Guinea-Bissau engage in a two-week initiation ritual that includes nightly dances to channel the energy of sharks. The shark symbolizes strength and aggression. The documentary traces the historical relationship between humans and sharks, dating back 40,000 years, when early humans began fishing. It also follows fishermen in Indonesia as they struggle to catch a four-and-a-half-meter shark. Cultural beliefs shape attitudes toward sharks across various societies.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See how the Bijagos prepare for manhood through shark dance.
- Find out about the megalodon's size and nature.
- Meet fishermen who struggle with a 500-kilogram shark.
Did You Know
- Sharks began evolving 400 million years ago.
- The megalodon was the size of a whale shark and disappeared about a million years ago.
- Humans first began hunting fish, including sharks, around 40,000 years ago.
- The shark dance performed by the Bijagos symbolizes wildness and strength.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age at which Bijagos men begin their initiation?
Bijagos men begin their initiation at the age of 12.
How long ago did the evolution of sharks begin?
The evolution of sharks began 400 million years ago.
What was the size of the Megalodon compared to contemporary sharks?
The Megalodon was the size of a whale shark and had the aggressive nature of the great white shark.
What are people saying?
Play More Like This
Browse more like this
Related Films
Is this your film?
If you made this film or hold the rights to it, we'd like to talk. We can license it and pay you a share of what it earns.
Comments