Oka!

Story

Music ethnologist Larry Whitman leaves Jersey and returns to the primeval forest of central Africa, although his doctor has advised against the trip because of a liver ailment. The scientist is obsessed with recording the sound of the Molimo, an instrument that has almost disappeared into obscurity but is still played by the Bayaka tribe. When he arrives, he is met by ear-splitting noise: a Chinese wood company has bought the approval of the village headman and started to raze the forest. The Bayakas’ basis for life is under threat. Together with the tribe, Larry sets out on a fascinating and possible final journey into the depths of the jungle.The film is based on the unpublished memoirs of the music ethnologist Louis Sarno and was made using mostly amateur actors.

Director

Lavinia Currier is a film director, screenplay author, producer and environmental activist. Her debut film Passion in the Desert (1997) was received enthusiastically both at home in the USA and in Europe.

Trailer