Island of Yesterday: Sumatra 1920 | Rare 4K-Restored Footage of Goodyear’s Rubber Plantations

This 4K-restored historical documentary from 1920 showcases Sumatra, Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and the Goodyear rubber plantations. Originally produced by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., the film captures forest-clearing techniques, latex extraction, and rubber production, alongside depictions of Sumatran culture—though often presented through a colonial and patronizing lens.

What You’ll See in This Footage:
Traditional Sumatran life, including music, dance, and daily activities

Rubber plantation operations – tree cutting, latex extraction, and factory processing

Workers clearing forests with machinery and traditional tools

Scenes of everyday life – laundry, markets, puppet theater, and oxcarts

Surprising historical moments, including a toddler smoking a cigarette

Restoration Enhancements:
✅ Upscaled to 4K for better clarity
✅ Noise reduction for a cleaner viewing experience
✅ Frame stabilization for smoother playback

This silent film provides an eye-opening look at early 20th-century colonial industry, highlighting both the technological advancements of rubber production and the deeply problematic portrayal of the local population under colonial rule.

Original Source:
🎞 Island of Yesterday: Sumatra (1920) – Public Domain via Internet Archive

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