This fascinating documentary takes you to West Papua, which is the Indonesian half of the island of New Guinea.  It’s one of the most primitive regions on earth.  Award-winning filmmaker Marlin Darrah examines the lives of three indigenous groups:  the Dani, the Asmat and the Korowai, who despite modern efforts to tame the land and “pacify” them, still live primarily as hunter-gatherers or subsistence mountainside and lowland farmers, grouped into small clans. 
 
Each tribe is very traditional and – as a note to viewers – you’ll see partial nudity, as it is common in these societies.  In the Baliem Valley, you’ll meet the Dani people, with their stilted houses, separated for men and for women.  You’ll witness a ceremonial pig feast, a mock tribal battle, and see an example of their famed “smoked” mummies.  Next travel into the swampy rainforest to visit the Asmat tribe, renowned wood carvers and warriors, who were once headhunters and cannibals.  And finally travel deeper inland to meet the Korowai people, who live high up in tree houses, due to the intense tropical rains as well as a defense against hostile tribal raids.