Microwave Films Releases Second Marshallese Folklore Feature with Modern Focus

A new Marshall Islands' film exploring the Yokwe spirit of the Marshallese culture and people opens at K & K Theaters in Majuro on January 29.

Yokwe Bartowe, a full-length feature in Marshallese with English sub-titles, is the second for fledgling Microwave Films. As with the beloved 2009 film, Na Noniep, the new film is performed by island residents and interweaves Marshallese folklore with the challenges of today's Marshall Islands' life.

Directed and produced by Jack Niedenthal and Suzanne Chutaro, with original screenplay by Niedenthal, the film was shot on location in Majuro Atoll and Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, and in Springdale, Arkansas.

Lyel Tarkwon and Martha Horiiuchi, students at the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) in real life and in the movie, play the lead characters of Bartowe and his girlfriend. Netha Gideon returns from her role in Ña Noniep starring as Lijimu the Sorceress, and Nica Wase stars as Madam Kwolej, the human form of the evil kwolej bird. Also, on top billing are Jefferson Paulis and Billma Melson as Lijiamao, Bartowe's little sister.

Yokwe Bartowe contains several new musical compositions along with some old time favorites performed by Nica Wase, Lulani Ritok, Nelu de Brum, Mattu Lejjena, Lyel Tarkwon and Lucus Niedenthal.

The film is expected to run for two weeks. According to Microwave Producer Niedenthal, the DVD release may be in early March.

All proceeds from Yokwe Bartowe will go the Majuro Cooperative School. Actors in this film all volunteered for their roles and represent various organizations in the Marshall Islands including the College of the Marshall Islands, the Majuro Cooperative School, and the Women's Athletic Club (WAC).

FILM SYNOPSIS

Yokwe Bartowe is the story of a young girl named Lijiamao who is kidnapped by an evil demon bird. The ancient legend of the 'kwolej' bird dictates that its main mission in life is to create sorrow and misfortune in the world.

Bartowe is Lijiamao's 20-year-old brother and he was supposed to be watching his sister on the day she mysteriously vanished while swimming in the lagoon. He is blamed for her disappearance by his mother. Even though most people believe that Lijiamao has drowned, the fact that no one ever found her body in extremely shallow water has everyone puzzled. Only Lijiamao's best friend Tili refuses to believe she is dead, much to the dismay of her principal, her teacher and her classmates.

The story follows the life of Bartowe on the first anniversary of his sister's disappearance. He is trying to cope with the hatred of his mother for not taking good care of Lijiamao and the deterioration of his relationship with his steady girlfriend and fellow college student, Kaila. The immense sorrow in his life drives him to drinking and disillusionment, which eventually causes him to become the enemy of a local island gang.

Just when his life seems to be heading toward complete disaster, hope comes from an unexpected source: Lijimu. The old woman, who is despised by the island community because she's believed to be a sorceress and capable of performing powerful black magic, attempts to come to the young man's rescue.

Microwave Films is a community based film production company in the Marshall Islands.

- Yokwe Online, January 19, 2010