SALT IN THEIR VEINS, 16min,. Australia
Directed by Rita Hencke
East Indonesia. Communities of sea people live a life that ties them closely to the marine environment. They are known as Bajo, descendants of former sea nomads who were once roaming the ocean to fish and trade.

https://www.ritahencke.com/film

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The inspiration for "Salt in their Veins" came from my passion for freediving. I was captivated by the extraordinary diving and spearfishing skills of the Bajo sea people. During my visit to one of their remote communities in Indonesia a few years ago, I saw how their lives are being transformed by modern influences. This experience motivated me to capture the contrast between their traditional and modern fishing practices.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you
to make this film?

The film "Salt in their Veins" was my final year university project, and the entire process, from research to the final edit, took roughly 1.5 years.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Heartfelt & Thoughtful

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The filming location was quite the character - remote, with limited resources and a huge language barrier. Juggling to find the right tone to tell the Bajos’ story proved to be a delicate balancing act throughout the filming process.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking
about your film in the feedback video?

It was very interesting to see everyone’s reactions and hear their initial thoughts and feedback. It was also nice to see that my film sparked thoughtful debate and discussion.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I discovered my passion for documentary filmmaking while pursuing my photography degree, and from that point on I decided to focus on the moving image.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

A tough question! My answer would be “Amélie”. A recent documentary I really enjoyed is “Ghost Fleet”.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other
festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking
career?

I was actually really happy with the experience and appreciate the support in guiding emerging filmmakers into the industry.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site?

I really liked it! It's been very user-friendly and effective in keeping everything organized.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Vietnamese rice paper rolls filled with veggies and tofu. I could eat them every day!

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I’m looking to grow as a filmmaker, focusing on new projects, and lots of freediving!