Weight of Salt (2014)

• 68%
• 2014
• Documentary
• Margaret Bong

Weight of Salt gives a glimpse into the life of the last active salt maker family in Kelabit highland, an isolated settlement in the heart of Borneo. It is a portrait of the tribe and a place where life is simple and time has another pace; but not after 2009 when the first road connecting this remote village to the populated lowlands was completed. The same year, cellular communication was extended to this area. Young Kelabits move to the cities to continue their education. Upon graduation, most do not return to the highlands since the agrarian economy does not provide many job opportunities. The salt making family knows that the continuation of the family trade depends on the children. However, the parents want them to receive an education and to have a better life. This is not only brings changes to their lives when they become modernized like the rest of the world and the salt making tradition will surely come to an end.