APPS
APPS
Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey is an Emmy-winning, landmark documentary series by brothers Lawrence and Lorne Blair, chronicling their extraordinary ten-year journey through the vast and mysterious Indonesian archipelago. Filmed between the 1970s and 1980s, this five-part series captures a world rarely seen—where ancient traditions, mystical rituals, and untamed landscapes remain untouched by modern civilization.
Sailing with pirates aboard black-sailed schooners, navigating treacherous rapids, and trekking deep into uncharted jungles, the Blair brothers ventured into the heart of Indonesia’s most remote regions. Along the way, they lived among indigenous tribes, witnessed veiled forms of human sacrifice, and encountered elusive nomadic peoples. What began as a physical adventure transformed into a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, revealing the spiritual and mythological richness woven into the fabric of these lands.
The series explores themes of exploration, spirituality, and humanity’s profound connection to nature, highlighting the beauty of Indonesia’s vanishing traditions and the wisdom of its tribal elders. The Blairs documented everything from shamanic rituals to the exotic flora and fauna of this volcanic chain, known as the "Ring of Fire." Originally cut from 80 hours of 16mm film, Ring of Fire was produced, directed, and photographed by Lorne Blair, co-produced and written by Lawrence Blair, and executive produced by Frontline’s David Fanning in collaboration with WGBH Boston.
In a later re-release, family friend Mick Jagger lent his voice to the narration, helping introduce Ring of Fire to a wider audience and cementing its place as one of the most captivating visual and anthropological records of a rapidly changing world.
COMING SOON TO CORE
In this chapter of Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey, the Blair brothers embark on a daring voyage through the fabled Spice Islands, sailing alongside the legendary Bugis tribe—seafarers once feared as the last true pirates of the archipelago. Navigating through turbulent waters and remote, uncharted islands, they follow ancient trade routes once traversed by explorers and spice traders centuries ago. Their journey is driven by the quest to find the elusive golden-tailed Greater Bird of Paradise, a creature steeped in myth and revered by local tribes as the symbol of Eternal Life. Along the way, they immerse themselves in the traditions of the Bugis, witnessing their unique customs, sailing techniques, and time-honored rituals passed down through generations. As they voyage deeper into these untouched lands, they uncover stories of the islands’ rich history, where the echoes of colonial conquests, spice wars, and indigenous legends still linger. A tale of adventure, cultural discovery, and the enduring mysteries of the natural world, Spice Island Saga is a glimpse into a realm where history, mythology, and exploration converge.
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In this chapter of Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey, the Blair brothers venture into some of Indonesia’s most remote and mysterious regions, encountering ancient warriors, mythical creatures, and deeply rooted traditions. Their journey begins on Komodo Island, where they camp among the giant carnivorous Komodo dragons—prehistoric predators that dominate the rugged landscape. Moving on to Bali, long before mass tourism arrived, they build their first bamboo house, immersing themselves in the island’s spiritual culture and vibrant traditions. In Sumba, they witness the Pasola, a dramatic equestrian battle where warriors on horseback engage in ritual combat—an event with ancient ties to fertility rites and veiled forms of human sacrifice. Their odyssey then leads them deep into the jungles of New Guinea, where they live among the Asmat, a tribe once feared as headhunters and cannibals, gaining rare insight into their complex spiritual beliefs and warrior traditions. Dance of the Warriors is a striking exploration of Indonesia’s hidden frontiers, where ancient rituals and untamed nature remain untouched by time.
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In this chapter of Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey, the Blair brothers venture into the shadow of Java’s active volcanoes, where the raw power of nature and ancient spiritual traditions collide. Their journey begins at Anak Krakatau, the “Child of Krakatoa,” where they descend from its erupting crater, witnessing firsthand the Earth’s untamed forces. Moving beyond the volcanic landscape, they step into a world frozen in time—medieval courts where sultans rule with divine authority, mystical shadow plays recount Hindu legends, and master craftsmen forge kris swords believed to hold supernatural power. They encounter traditional healers who use ancient wisdom and spiritual energy to cure ailments, and entire communities that live under the rule of the Goddess of the South Seas, a revered figure believed to control the tides and the fate of rulers. East of Krakatoa is a mesmerizing journey through a land where myth and reality intertwine, and the past continues to shape the present.
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In this extraordinary chapter of Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey, the Blair brothers embark on an 800-mile journey through the uncharted rainforests of Borneo, navigating treacherous rivers by canoe and trekking deep into the jungle on foot. Their goal is to find the last of the nomadic Punan Dyaks, a tribe believed to have disappeared into history. Guided by whispers of their existence, they push beyond the boundaries of mapped terrain, encountering dense, untamed wilderness where few outsiders have ever set foot. Along the way, they witness the delicate balance of life in the rainforest, from elusive wildlife to the intricate survival skills of indigenous hunters. When they finally reach the Punan Dyaks, they discover a people who live in harmony with the land, guided by dreams and ancestral wisdom. Known as "dream wanderers," they believe in visions that shape their lives and decisions, moving through the jungle as spirits in tune with nature. Dream Wanderers of Borneo is a rare and profound exploration of one of the world's last truly nomadic tribes, offering an intimate glimpse into a way of life on the edge of extinction.
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Following the passing of his brother Lorne, Lawrence Blair embarks on a deeply personal journey across the Indonesian archipelago, retracing the paths they once explored together. After honoring Lorne’s death rites in Bali, he gathers a boatload of close friends—including Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall—for an odyssey that spans from the remote, untamed swamps of New Guinea to the shifting landscapes of the western islands. As they navigate through regions once inhabited by headhunters and cannibal tribes, Lawrence reflects on the transformations unfolding across the archipelago. Ancient traditions give way to modernity, untouched landscapes begin to change, and once-isolated communities face the pressures of an evolving world. A poignant blend of adventure, remembrance, and rediscovery, Beyond the Ring of Fire is both a tribute to his brother’s legacy and a compelling look at the fragile balance between tradition and progress in one of the world’s most enigmatic regions.
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Dr. Lawrence Blair is an English anthropologist, author, filmmaker, and explorer renowned for his extensive work in Indonesia, particularly in uncovering its cultural mysteries and indigenous traditions. With a background in psycho-anthropology, he earned his doctorate from Lancaster University, where his thesis helped define this emerging field of study. His work explores the intersection of human consciousness, mythology, and scientific inquiry, making him a unique voice in the study of Southeast Asian cultures.
In the 1970s, Dr. Blair, alongside his late brother Lorne, embarked on a decade-long journey across the Indonesian archipelago, immersing themselves in the region’s diverse tribal cultures, ancient traditions, and uncharted territories. This remarkable expedition culminated in the creation of the Emmy Award-winning documentary series Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey, which aired on PBS and the BBC. The series brought global attention to the untold stories of Indonesia, capturing the extraordinary ways in which indigenous communities live in harmony with nature and spiritual traditions. Accompanying the documentary, Dr. Blair authored a bestselling book of the same name, which remained on the UK’s Top Ten Best Seller List for ten weeks, offering deeper insights into their experiences and discoveries.
Beyond Ring of Fire, Dr. Blair continued his exploration of Indonesia’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage by creating and presenting Myths, Magic and Monsters, a five-part series for Sky TV. This program delved into the supernatural legends, mystical rituals, and extraordinary creatures of the Indonesian archipelago, further solidifying his reputation as an authority on the region’s enigmatic traditions. His research has contributed to broader discussions on human consciousness, mythology, and the often-overlooked wisdom of indigenous societies.
For over 35 years, Dr. Blair has made Bali his home, where he remains actively engaged in cultural research, marine expeditions, and storytelling. He frequently lectures around the world, sharing his vast knowledge on tribal mysticism, psycho-anthropology, and the evolving relationship between humanity and the natural world. His work continues to bridge the gap between the scientific and mystical realms, inspiring curiosity about the deeper connections between human perception, nature, and ancient wisdom.
Committed to preserving Indonesia’s diverse cultures and environmental heritage, Dr. Blair’s contributions go beyond documentation—his work serves as an invitation to rethink how we engage with indigenous wisdom, storytelling, and the mysteries that shape human experience.
Lorne Blair (1945–1995) was a British filmmaker, photographer, and explorer whose groundbreaking work documenting the cultures and landscapes of Indonesia left a lasting impact. Born in London to parents who were professional actors, Lorne spent his early childhood in France before mastering English, an experience that likely sparked his deep appreciation for diverse cultures.
In the 1970s, Lorne and his elder brother, Lawrence Blair, embarked on an extraordinary decade-long journey through the Indonesian archipelago. Their travels led to the creation of the Emmy-winning documentary series Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey, which aired on PBS and the BBC, captivating audiences with its intimate portrayal of Indonesia’s remote tribes, shamanic traditions, and natural wonders. Lorne served as the director, cinematographer, and co-producer of the series, skillfully capturing the raw beauty and mysticism of the region on 16mm film. Their work not only documented a vanishing world but also introduced global audiences to cultures and traditions rarely seen before.
Beyond filmmaking, Lorne was a gifted photographer and writer, using his artistic eye to preserve Indonesia’s rich heritage through visual storytelling. His images and films continue to serve as historical records of a rapidly changing world. After settling in Bali, he remained deeply involved in cultural research and exploration, using his work to bridge the gap between modernity and ancient traditions.
Tragically, Lorne passed away in 1995, just weeks before his 50th birthday. His legacy, however, endures through the timeless visual records he left behind—films, photographs, and writings that continue to inspire explorers, storytellers, and those who seek to understand the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.
