27 minutes, Color, Sound, 1988
An insightful investigation into the traditional culture and the spirit world of Pacific Islanders living on Lamotrek Island, this film focuses on the ancient Micronesian wisdom of rong: specialized knowledge of art and magic involved with skills such as navigation, warfare, canoe building, fishing, weather control, and weaving. As a result of increasing contact with the outside world, the traditional skills of rong have been in steady decline but are not forgotten. In English and Lamotrekese with English subtitles.
DVD Bonus Materials
Backstory: Beyond the Blue Horizon. Photo essay by the filmmaker about "culture shock" and the filming of the documentary.
Slideshow: Lamotrek Memory. Nostalgic remembrance by the filmmaker of Lamotrek and its people using still photographs and music.
Screenings
Awards:
Festivals:
- First Place, Education Category, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, 1988
- CINE Eagle, Washington, D.C. 1988
- First Place, Documentary Category and Ten Best Award, Photographic Society of America, 1989
- Hawaii International Film Festival, Honolulu, 1988
- Official Entry of the Federated States of Micronesia to the 5th South Pacific Festival of Arts, Townsville, Australia
- “Mons” Film & Video Festival, Belgium, 1989
- Citta di Trento Film & Video Festival, Italy, 1989
- Algarve International Video Festival, Portugal, 1989
CreditsProduced, directed, photographed and written by Eric Metzgar in association with the people of Lamotrek Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia. Executive producer: Lewis Magowe, Chief of Lamotrek. Narrator: Ed Kenny. Music: "The Deep" by Axel Simone.
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Ordering Information
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