By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The film "Remathau: People of the Ocean," a Micronesian-directed film will premier on Guam on Nov. 10 as part of the Humanities Guåhan's educational tour and cultural festival in collaboration with Nia Tero.
The Guam-Remathau Film and Educational Tour marks Humanities Guåhan’s 35th anniversary celebration themed, “Navigating Human Ties.”
The tour features Nicole Yamase, a marine biologist, cultural and environmental advocate. She is the first Micronesian and the youngest woman to reach Challenger Deep, the deepest part of the Mariana Trench. The feature documentary follows her journey of self-discovery as she reconnects with her people’s resilience and oceanic roots.
Yamase, from Chuuk and Pohnpei, is the director of Impact at OneReef, where she bridges science and cultural knowledge to foster meaningful partnerships across the Pacific.
She will be joined by Kalany Omengkar, a Hawaii-based artist who served as an illustrator for the Remathau film.
Omengkar is a designer with roots in Palau and the Marianas, whose work draws inspiration from the diverse Micronesian people and cultures.
Yamase and Omengkar will be on Guam to co-present the weeklong Remathau film and educational tour with Humanities Guåhan from Nov. 9 to 14.
According to Nia Tero, the organization that produced the 70-minute documentary, the film hopes to bring more visibility to the particular relationship Micronesian people have with their islands and ocean territory, and increase awareness of the deep wisdom and knowledge that is passed on through the legends, chants, and traditions of these oceanic peoples.
“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,” said Nedine Songeni, interim executive director of Humanities Guåhan.
Yamase and Omengkar will visit GDOE middle and high schools to present the film and engage with students. They will also participate in several community events, such as the Celebrate Micronesia Festival at the Micronesia Mall center court. The festival will include a panel discussion, cultural expo, live musical performances, and cultural demonstrations by diverse community groups.
Nia Tero's mission is to directly support Indigenous Peoples’ guardianship and elevate the role and influence of Indigenous Peoples as essential to ensuring planetary health and habitability. OneReef is an NGO that works alongside communities and local NGOs across the Pacific to care for their lands and oceans, fostering resilient ecosystems and thriving communities.
Tour Dates
Nov. 10: Premiere of Remathau, 7 p.m. MM Theatres at the Micronesia Mall
Doors open at 6 p.m., $35 promo price, Tickets available for purchase on Oct. 26
Purchase tickets on www.humanitiesguahan.org or email maya@humanitiesguahan.org
Nov. 11: Full release of Remathau film, through Nov. 30
Nov. 13: Celebrate Micronesia Festival at Micronesia Mall Center Court
4 p.m.: “Our Sea of Islands,” opening of cultural expo
4:30 p.m.: Weaving stories demonstration and workshops
5 p.m.: Storytelling with Nicole and Kalany
6 p.m., Moving Islands, a compilation of traditional and contemporary performances from Micronesia, including Guma' Råsan Åcho' Latte, the UOG Chuuk Student Organization, Marshallese United Guam Association
7 p.m.: Songs of Oceania performances by Fluffy Keya Håfa and Team Resim
8 p.m.: Festival concludes
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly issue