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 →
THE FILM IS COMING, SLOWLY
It has been some time now since the previous post here, which – for a person who obsesses upon hastily relieving himself of the displeasureable guilt conduced by knowing that a very achievable task has yet to be tackled – this has proved somewhat burdensome. To entertain you with a reason for this negligence though… basically, over the past few months, →
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, →
ANDI
Where do I begin then, I wondered, after fastidiously critiquing then dismissing several written introductory attempts through discontentment, or better yet, unworthiness. Nervous perhaps? Likely. Gosh, I want to introduce here a person, a friend, who (unknowingly) played a monumental role in that which lead to my being where I am today - mentally, so it is of some importance →
STATUS OF THE FILM
In other news, and after briefly catching up with myself over the weekend, here's what I had to say regarding the films progress: "How is the film coming along, Rob?" "Well, it" "Coming along well?" "Yes it is well, however" "That's wonderful to hear, Rob, but when will the film be finished?" "WELL BASICALLY, I've completed as much of the post-production as →
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...
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 →
LANGUAGE STUDIES
Shot of me with friends Si Jalal, Si Petre and my trusty notebook. The people living in this small coconut farming village had had very little interaction with white fellows prior to me, so upon arriving I quickly found that I would be surrounded by villagers at almost all times of the day/evening. This was great as it enabled me →
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 →
