TWISTS AND TURNS
To suggest there’s been a lot happen with this project over the past few years, in terms of the number of developments moving forward, backward and, more often than not, in circles, would be somewhat of an understatement. In fact, when considering the unconventional path it’s followed – particularly when knowing that, as I am still learning, it’s a path →
TO DIVERT THE ATTENTION FOR A MOMENT…
Dear reader, Whilst I’ve found working on the analysis report and program these past few weeks to be incredibly fascinating, and exciting too – allowing me to simulate what I presume to be the practices of a university student – I’ve now reached a point where, to progress, I must digress. The focus, in the hope of re-establishing productivity via the →
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 hoping is very near to that which is required, is in the hands of a few select individuals who, given their film related experience, I'm hoping can provide me a frank indication of exactly where I stand – in terms of →
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, we've just returned from the Islands where we were able to support an incredible team of young enthusiastic Mentawai in successfully conducting a Baseline Survey – an activity crucial to understanding the wants, needs and perspectives of the community; and what strategies, if any, they would like implemented to help →
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 →
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 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 Coffey →
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 →
