SO WHERE ARE YOU AT NOW?
Right, a reasonable question, sure… I’ll try and be brief. The film, which is currently at a stage I’m somewhat happy with – in that the story now actually is the story I want to tell – is in the hands of a few select individuals who, given their film related experience, I’m hoping can provide me a frank indication →
MENTAWAI CEREMONY
Although I did, rather prudently I thought, opt against carting the weight of a video camera and array of thought-to-be essential accessories back to the islands for the recent Baseline Survey activity; I did in fact manage – utilizing the advanced capabilities of the modern-day still – to capture a few moments during a ceremony given for the death of →
ASK THE COMMUNITY
Briefly updating on the progress of the Mentawai Support Program, I’m extremely pleased to announce that, having just returned from the jungles of Mentawai, we’ve managed, together with close friend and philanthropist Matthew Hannon and the help of an incredible team of young enthusiastic Mentawaian’s, to successfully conduct and complete a Baseline Survey – an activity crucial to the development →
TO CUT A LONG STORY SHORT…
Whilst pondering how best to encapsulate a brief update on the film, I found myself looking back over the various evolvements that have unfolded since my returning from Mentawai almost two years ago; and, in the end, decided that perhaps I’ll just begin there. So, basically, at that stage, whilst I did foresee the importance in utilizing the development of this →
INDULGE IN IMAGERY
Mindful that my updates here often transpire into excessively long-winded expositions - which, when considering the browsing pace of the greater community, are perhaps exhibited at the expense of engaging readers - as a reprieve for those who've been following along, please enjoy the simplicity of casting your eyes over a few images I feel are worth sharing... A young Mentawai →
MASURAK BAGATTA, THANK YOU
Had I ever imagined the scenario of my arriving unannounced on a remote island, where, knowing next to nothing of the language, culture, or lifestyle, a native people would welcome me in, treat me as one of their own and teach me the skills necessary to survive in their jungle habitat; I suspect I would have thought this the most →
DONATIONS ARE IN
All June donations for the Mentawai Support Program have been collected and are to be presented to GLOBALQUEST next week. Some very exciting results, so do stay tuned! And in the meantime...
SUPPORT MENTAWAI AND OUR FUTURE!
As we adapt our lives to the conveniences of modernity and particularly toward a reliance on the availability of information at the press of a button, are we considering the fact that through this advancement also arises an opportunity for a younger – technologically savvy – generation to be heard, to influence change, and to pave the way for our →
MENTAWAI TATTOO REVIVAL
The traditional tattoos - which, for various cultures worldwide, where their tribal markings have been nothing short of fundamental in shaping their identity, their culture, and their existence - are now vanishing, rapidly… and in many cases leaving behind no visual evidence for future generations, whatsoever. After thousands of years being passed from generation to generation, these intricate, purposive markings, →
THE MENTAWAI
Whilst anthropologists, missionaries and tourists have been visiting the archipelago for some time now, it's rather interesting, to consider, that in the 21st century, in a country as accessible as Indonesia, if you were to 'stray from the beaten track'; or, perhaps by chance - stumble upon, that there still remains a people that have yet to witness foreign beings, →
POISON ARROWS
Hunting - an integral part of the Mentawaian tribesmen's life sees the hand crafted bow and arrow as the most commonly used method for fatally wounding their prey. So how could a handmade arrow possibly stop a rampaging wild boar? By gathering a selected mixture of flora from the nearby jungle, the huntsmen are able to extract a poisonous liquid →
FISHING
Landing in this new island habitat saw a sudden and significant change to my diet. The transition period for the first month would result in diminished energy levels; provoking a need to learn the art of fishing – an important survival skill for those residing by the ocean. Fortunately Si Hen and a couple of experienced fisherman in the village →
OVERWHELMED
Editing is underway… slowly. I’m finding it difficult to sit in front of the geekbox for extended periods and for whatever reason, I’m not sure, I’ve taken to running. If my head becomes sore, it suggests that I run - so I do. I’ve been running further and further everyday, and I quite enjoy it. I might even invest →
PART 1 COMPLETE!
I’ve now returned home from the Mentawai Islands where I’ve been filming for the Documentary BUI MAREUREU BAAP as worlds divide for the past year. What an amazing experience it was. I’m a little worried about how I’m going to adapt to the environment that’ll be required to finish this project. I’m thinking a great deal about the lifestyle →
