Synopsis

The Indonesian Parrot Project (IPP) has been conducting important conservation work to save parrots and cockatoos from extinction in Indonesia. The film shows the history and current work of IPP, the challenges of parrot conservation in Indonesia, and the importance of protecting parrots as flagship species. We zig-zag around the Indonesian archipelago following local researchers to show their work in action. We travel to the remote island of Masakambing to see the collaboration with local people looking after the last remaining population of the Abbotti cockatoo, to the Moluccas to observe the parrot rehabilitation and release center of IPP, and to the Komodo island to reveal how the famous dragons contribute to the conservation of a critically endangered cockatoo species. In the documentary we examine all aspects of parrot conservation including the roles and responsibilities of conservationists, decision makers, local communities and eco-tourists, demonstrating that success can be achieved only by well-organized cooperation among them.

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Indonesian Parrot Project (IPP)

The Indonesian Parrot Project was founded in 2001 by Dr. Stewart Metz and Barbara Bailey with the mission to help to conserve endangered Indonesian parrots through actions both in situ and ex situ. In the past decades they initiated and managed several successful conservation programs:

• Their most highlighted project protects one of the rarest and most threatened cockatoos in the world, the Abbotti Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea abbotti), deep in the Java Sea. Only about 25 individuals remained in the wild. They are still on the brink of extinction.
• The Conservation-Awareness-Pride (C-A-P) Program was designed to teach local communities, especially children, about their own cockatoos and parrots, why they are important and should be conserved. The project has built a strong pride in the local people.
• The Community Economic Development program provides alternate means of sustainable income to villagers, who in turn will protect the cockatoos from trapping. Such alternatives are hiring forest wardens to detect active nests, supporting women’s cooperatives, hiring local guides and establishing an ecotourism program.
• The IPP also runs and supports an Avian Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Center in Seram, Indonesia. Illegal parrot trade is a big issue in Indonesia, but recent forces are building from the local government and NGOs to stop illegal poaching. Confiscated birds are taken to the rescue center of IPP, rehabilitated and possibly reintroduced to the wild.

Film Specifications

Indonesian Parrot Project
by Wildlife Messengers gift-shop

Title: The Indonesian Parrot Project
Duration: 26 mins
Languages: English, Indonesian Bahasa, Hungarian
Filming Locations: Jakarta, Bali, Java Sea, Masakambing, Masalembu, Ambon, Seram, Komodo, Indonesia
Production: Wildlife Messengers
Commissioned by: The Indonesian Parrot Project NGO
Crowdfunding: www.gofundme.com/ippdocumentary
FilmFreeway: filmfreeway.com/IPP
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt9853564
Gift shop: www.zazzle.com/collections/indonesian_parrot_project

Cast & Crew

Director – Cintia Garai
Filmed by – Balázs Tisza & Cintia Garai
Written by – Cintia Garai & Robert Carrubba
Narrated by – Caroline Boulton (English), Inna Hatta Nuryakina (Indonesian)
Characters – Bonnie Zimmermann, Nelson Sapulete, Dwi Augustina, Dudi Nandika, Buce Makatita, Tidores Sopalatu
Music Editing – Zsolt E. Tamás & Cintia Garai
Scientific Editor – George Olah
Animation by – Miller Marshall
Edited by – Cintia Garai
Producers – George Olah & Cintia Garai
Distributor – Wildlife Messengers

We are so excited and honored to join forces with the Wildlife Messengers team to bring our story and work to the world! We have been working in Indonesia since 2001, but very few people know about our work conserving and protecting some of the most endangered cockatoos in the world. Their skill at “looking at the big picture with fresh eyes” and thorough understanding of science and biology makes me confident that this documentary is going to touch people’s hearts. And the drone footage? OMG. And the best part of working together in October – not only are they skilled documentarians, but incredibly cool people and new members of our family. Can’t wait to see the film. As we say in Indonesia…. Mantap!

Bonnie Zimmermann

Director, Indonesian Parrot Project

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