Voyage of the Sarimanok

A film of Bob Hobman's attempt to sail across the Indian Ocean in a primitive native craft. He aimed to show that the people of Madagascar, who originally came from Indonesia 2,500 years ago, sailed, not in a series of stages, but directly across the Indian Ocean, in one of the great epic voyages of history. His voyage took 65 days.

Directed by Peter Welch, Voyage of the Sarimanok leans on a strong ensemble — Bob Hobman, Rupert Frazer, Charles (Chico) Hansen — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1986.