Watch Abebe: Butterfly Song for free

Melbourne musician David Bridie ( Not Drowning Waving, My Friend The Chocolate Cake) was travelling in PNG in 1986 when he heard the heartfelt sounds of George Telek and the Moab Stringband’s “Abebe” onboard a bus. It marked the beginning of a profound fascination with the nation and its rich culture – and of a bond with Telek that would last more than 35 years. Abebe : Butterfly Song combines visits to Port Moresby and Rabaul with archival footage from tours and recording sessions in Australia, Europe and PNG, as well as candid interviews with the pair, their friends and collaborators. With sensitivity and skill, director Rosie Jones crafts a meaningful portrait not only of two passionate musicians from different backgrounds, but also of the cross-cultural artistic exchange between Australia and one of its closest neighbours.