Message of Cachalot Stone

Lamalera is situated on a rocky coastline not far from the active volcano Ale ile in the southern part of Lembata (Lomblen) Island in the Alor archipelago. This is the last place on this planet where whales are caught on little wooden boats using bamboo harpoons. A Portuguese document dated as early as 1624 mentions local whalers. Whaling has existed here at least 200 years before the first American and British whaling ships arrived at the beginning of 19th century.

About 1500 inhabitants live on Lamalera and they don’t only hunt whales (cachalot, orcas, and common blackfish) but also rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles and manatees. Only one species is untouchable – the blue whale. It is sacred for the villagers. According to a legend, a blue whale has brought the first people on its back to this area from Sulawesi Island (Celebes).

BEAUTIFUL RAIN NEVER COME

Rain means life in the scorched desert and songs about rain are sung by the Himbu tribe. One of them is „Rain, beautiful rain never comes“.

This short film will be a feature poem praising rain and admiring the beauty and power of the arid Namibian desert.