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...
THE MENTAWAI DOCTOR, SIKEREI
Possessing an incomparable knowledge of the plant and animal life surrounding, the Mentawai Shaman, the Sikerei, preserve a great understanding of how almost every species found there can, or can't, be utilized in support of their existence; which, when residing on the island of Siberut, one of the world's richest biodiversity hotspots, this is, for lack of a better term, →
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, →
COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM
Alongside the film, I am working on the development of an Indigenous community support program, which will focus on the Siberut region. Having had very little experience in the not-for-profit organizational sector personally, and knowing that outside support will play a critical role in realizing this, I was extremely grateful to Matthew and Anastacia from SURFAID INTERNATIONAL who generously →
TEST SCREENING
This week saw the first test screening of BUI MAREUREU BAAP as worlds divide. Thanks to all the members of Melbourne's Doco3000 group that gave their time and valuable feedback, a great amount was gained from the discussion that followed. Onward and up, stay tuned for further post-production developments...
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 →
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 →
