REVIEW: How soldier guitars, culture and faith paved way for Bougainville’s peace

David Robie

doi:10.24135/pjr.v25i1and2.502

David Robie Pacific Media Centre, Auckland University of Technology http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2176-8185

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/pjr.v25i1and2.502

Keywords: Bougainville, conflict, documentary, Papua New Guinea, peace journalism, reviews, war correspondence

Abstract

Soldiers Without Guns: An untold story of unsung Kiwi heroes, documentary, 92min. Director Will Watson. Narrated by Lucy Lawless.

WHILE a gripping film about the apocalyptic Bougainville war, or more accurately the peace that ended the decade-long conflict, opened in cinemas across New Zealand in April 2019, an island roadshow was taking place back in the Pacific. Initiated by the United Nations, the roadshow—featuring Bougainville President Father John Momis, many of his cabinet members and UN Resident Coordinator Gianluca Rampolla—was designed to help prepare Bougainvillean voters to decide on their future. This future is due to be put to the test in a referendum on October 17 in the crucial political outcome of an extraordinary peace process that began in chilly mid-winter talks at Burnham Military Camp near Christchurch in July 1997.