Rites et jeux : marionnettes d'orient et d'occident (1965)

Overview

Documentary directed by Philippe Genty, based on footage shot in various countries during his Alexander Expedition, carried out as part of UNESCO’s Major Project Orient–Occident. The film presents a variety of puppet styles, including Indonesian shadow puppets, puppets from northern India, masked theatre from Eastern Europe, rod puppets from Bucharest, experimental puppets from Poland, and Japanese bunraku. It also features puppets from Singapore, Laos, Malaysia, and the Bread and Puppet Theatre from Harlem. The film additionally includes short excerpts from the early Muppets by Bill Baird and Jim Henson.