"Remathau: People of the Ocean" is making its debut in Guam as part of an educational tour with marine biologist and environmental leader Dr. Nicole Yamase. According to Humanities Guåhan, Yamase is the first Micronesian and the youngest woman to reach Challenger Deep.
The feature documentary, presented by Humanities Guahan and Nia Tero, follow Yamase's journey of "self-discovery as she reconnects with her people's resilience and oceanic roots."
"Dr. Yamase is from the islands of Chuuk and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia and is currently the Director of Impact at OneReef where she bridges science and cultural knowledge to foster meaningful
partnerships across the Pacific," the release said.
Kalany Omengkar, a Hawaii-based artist and illustrator for Remathau will join Yamase.
"Mr. Omengkar is a designer with roots in Palau and the Marianas, whose
work draws inspiration from the diverse Micronesian people and cultures," Humanities Guåhan said.
The film's Director Daniel Lin said, "With this film, we witnessed the deepest dive of all – a journey through identity, representation, and responsibility. The experience allowed us to look through the window of time and affirm that, if left open, it will always breathe new life into what a Pacific Island story can and should be."
Yamase and Omengkar will be on island conducting a weeklong Remathau film and educational tour with Humanities Guåhan including school visits, screenings, community presentations and a Celebrate Micronesia Festival.
"In order to help spread awareness of the connections between cultural knowledge and environmental stewardship, Dr. Yamase and Mr. Omengkar will visit GDOE middle and high schools to present the film and engage with students," Humanities Guahan said further noting the festival will be held at the Micronesia Mall Center Court.
According to Humanities Guahan, the tour is made possible by Nia Tero, who produced the 70-minute documentary.
“Humanities Guåhan is honored to partner with Nia Tero to bring this important film to Guåhan. Furthermore, we are excited to work alongside Dr. Yamase and Mr. Omengkar to explore the important connections between culture, art, and science, as part of deepening our understanding and appreciation of our oceanic identities,” says Nedine Songeni, Interim Executive Director of Humanities Guåhan.
It was also made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities and Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation to name a few.
The tour is scheduled for Nov. 9-14 and marks Humanities Guahan's 35th anniversary, an important with theme, "Navigating Human Ties," which is inspired by the "our great voyaging ancestor and the huma connections that help our community flourish."