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Classic documentaries

Dead Birds

Year1963
Running time83 min
Directed byRobert Gardner
Made inUnited States
See it on en.wikipedia.org

At a glance

Dead Birds is an 83-minute documentary by Robert Gardner, released in 1963. It focuses on the ritual warfare cycle of the Dugum Dani people in the Baliem Valley, in what is now Indonesia's Highland Papua province. The film includes footage of battles between rival alliances, a funeral for a boy killed by a raiding party, and scenes of women's work as fighting continues. It also depicts the wait for an enemy to appear. The film is in English and is listed as a documentary film from the United States. Its subject and scenes make it an entry for readers exploring ethnographic documentary and the social life surrounding conflict. Dead Birds presents warfare alongside funeral and everyday labor, rather than limiting its account to battle footage.

Who it is for

It suits viewers and students interested in ethnographic documentary, ritual warfare and the Dugum Dani people.

What is good

  • Covers the warfare cycle and related community life.
  • Includes scenes of women's work during conflict.
  • Shows a funeral and a wait for an enemy.
  • Runs for 83 minutes.

What to know first

  • The listed language is English.
  • Its focus is a specific conflict and community.

Verdict

Dead Birds brings together battle footage and scenes of work, mourning and anticipation. It may interest readers studying ethnographic film and the Dugum Dani people.

Details

Year
1963wikidata.org · 3 Oct 2026
Runtime
83 minwikidata.org · 3 Oct 2026
Director
Robert Gardnerwikidata.org · 3 Oct 2026
Country
United Stateswikidata.org · 3 Oct 2026
IMDb
tt0059091wikidata.org · 3 Oct 2026

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