The Dayaks are Coming

Bali Spirit Festival presents Borneo Dancers

Bali Spirit Festival 2015 presents Borneo Tent – Borneo Film, Borneo Dayak Dance, Borneo Jungle Camp 

Following on last year’s exciting dance performances and colourful costumes by the Dayaks Dancers from Borneo, Bali Spirit Festival is hosting a Borneo tent. Come and meet the 19 Dayak dancers flown in directly from the jungles of Kalimantan, Borneo.

Join in dance lessons and meet David Metcalf, a masterclass photographer and author of the book “Looking for Borneo” who is exhibiting 250 spectacular colour photos of Borneo. David Metcalf is passionate about the Dayak people of Kalimantan, Borneo and has spent years exploring the outer reaches of one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes on the planet.

Hand-made Dayak jewellery straight from the villages of Borneo will be on sale, and the  BORNEO Long Sa’an movie promo trailer will be played regularly throughout the day. 

From our experience last year, when a small troupe performed at the Festival, we look forward to seeing the Dayak dancers burst onto the stage at the opening of the One World Music Concert April 3 at 7 pm.

The Borneo Dance Troupe - The Spirit of the Hornbill, consisting of 19 Dayak dancers and musicians will be flown in from Palangkaraya, Kalimantan. They have designed a dance especially for the opening night, and they will close the festival as well, on April 5, 2015.

Documentary Film – New Zealand photographer and author, David Metcalf led a group of 15 men including 6 Dayaks into the heart of Northern Kalimantan (Borneo) to a place called Long Sa'an, in August 2014 to make a documentary film. Local filmmaker Erick Est, director, has released two trailers and a 10 minute short film.  The feature length film will be released in May 2015. David’s dream of making a documentary film was motivated by his long association with the Dayak people.

The purpose of the film is to raise awareness about rainforest conservation and protection of the ancient forests of Kalimantan. Also portrayed in the film is the importance and wisdom of indigenous cultures globally and the connection to one’s tribe/family. The film is a true story and portrays the life of Philius, a 60 year old Dayak man and his personal journey as he returns to the lands of his birth for the first time in 45 years, and the strong connection with his mother.

Eco Project: A jungle camp eco-tourism project in the village of Setulang, North Kalimantan welcomes visitors to stay with the Dayak people, connect with the forests and learn the ways of the Dayak people.  Already 100 people have visited the eco-jungle camp, including solo travellers, families and a university group from Indonesia and the UK, who came on a study tour.

“This is a non-profit, local community initiative where the benefit goes directly to the village. If you want to experience the real Borneo and stay deep in the rainforest experiencing trekking, homestay accommodation and the hospitality of the Dayak people, please support this wonderful project and come and visit, ” said Metcalf.

Borneo Preservation Message:  “Kalimantan is one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes on the planet and we want to raise awareness about the preservation of these primary rainforests of Kalimantan and the indigenous Dayak people that live in the forests of Borneo,” said Metcalf.

“Dance is at the heart of Dayak culture and by showcasing dance at the One World Concert along with screening the film and exhibiting stunning indigenous photography, we hope to create awareness of this beautiful culture”.

David Metcalf, Erick Est, Philius and Siti, from the Hornbill Dance Academy, Palangkaraya, will be available for interviews at the press conference on Friday, 3 April, or by prior arrangement.

Long Sa'an film  -   Eco Jungle Camp Setulang   -  Dayak Dance Cultural Support