‘Threads that Binds Us; Stories of the Bilum’ is a short video that features Florence Jaukae Kamel, more famously known as the Bilum Lady and has recently been named an Honoree in the 27th Annual Webby Awards.
Speaking to pnghausbung, the Bilum Meri, Ms. Florence said she was pleasantly surprised by this news.
“When I started out on this journey, it was very much a ‘brukim bush’ kind of thing, but I always had a vision to use the Bilum to do something right in society.”
The 15 minutes long video shows the vibrant and captivating Bilum tradition and focuses on 5 particular patterns that tell the stories behind the designs and of the Bilum weavers.
“The Bilum is very important in PNG, especially for women, as its designs connects all women in society.”
The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the internet.
“Even though it was unexpected, this is a great achievement, not just for women but for the whole country and I want to thank UNFPA, the Australian Government Aid Programs, the National Cultural Commission, Tourism Promotion Authority, as well as other partners like the National Gaming Control Board and our international visitors.
“It is through this support that we are here today, that we have a market to sell our Bilums and for shedding a positive light on the work that we do.”
‘Threads That Binds Us; Stories of the Bilum’ is part of the UNFPA’s Bilum Campaign and was produced by Pidgin Productions.