Sharing Paradise

Synopsis

Set on the Indonesian island of Balobaloang, Sharing Paradise offers a glimpse into the often hidden intersections between social, political, and ecological systems. While Balobaloang islanders practice sustainable fishing, their waters are increasingly threatened by fish bombers from neighboring villages who use dynamite and cyanide—illegal methods that deplete fish populations and destroy coral reefs. The film examines the entangled and unexpectedly intimate relationships between Balobaloang fishermen and their neighbors, situating these interactions within a political world shaped by failures of regional governance systems and global networks that sustain destructive fishing practices. Director Amalia Hapsari reflexively foregrounds her filmmaking process as she negotiates community expectations alongside shifting ethical boundaries. Sharing Paradise presents a nuanced political narrative, raising questions around accountability and relationality in ocean governance.

Director Bio

Amelia Hapsari started to make documentary films since she was a university student at Ohio University. Her film Sharing Paradise was made in collaboration with Gene Amarell and the community of Balobaloang Island in South Sulawesi as part of her Master’s thesis project. This participatory film uncovers how the people of Balobaloang have shared the ocean’s natural resources for generations, despite growing inequality caused by capitalism and destructive fishing practices. Since then, Amelia has continued to work at the intersection of public media, documentary films, and social impact in China, East Timor, Indonesia, and Australia. Amelia is the first Indonesian to be elected as a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, which votes for Oscar winners every year.

Distribution

Documentary Educational Resources
Contact: info@der.org
Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Clx0JSmgYc 

 

I felt I needed to give voice to those with the least power, since they were so constrained, and they took a lot of risks to collaborate with me to make the film. If I didn’t convey their message, I would betray the trust placed in me by the people who had risked the most to tell their story.