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 →
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, →
I LIKE YOUR MOTORBIKE… HELMET
If I may, I'd like to digress slightly from the philanthropic austerities of recent posts. Yes the Indigenous Mentawai communities face exploitation of their human rights, and yes, raising awareness to help support and address this issue is an extremely important part of the project, sure. However, it's not that which first captured my imagination and interest in the people →
GLOBALQUEST SUPPORT, MENTAWAI
I'd like to share some exciting news, and extend a special thanks to the generous folk at Coffey International, who, through their charitable organization - GlobalQuest, have decided to select the Mentawai Community Support Program as a project they wish to offer development and financial support to, in 2011. The vision of GlobalQuest, a charity initiated and managed voluntarily by →
MENTAWAI TSUNAMI APPEAL
SURFAID INTERNATIONAL and the people of Mentawai are in need of our help. The latest news from a friend currently located in the islands, tells of the damage caused by the Tsunami being far worse than anticipated. “Many villages are badly affected, and the death toll is still rising by the day. Obviously the logistical difficulties of the islands are making it →
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 →
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 →
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 →
