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Indigenous Exchange

Concept + Ideation
Film Direction
Art Direction

Indigenous Exchange is our first attempt at shining a light on the essence of cultures. This digital-first Docu-Series aims to draw a parallel similarity between Borneo, Central Polynesia and New Zealand.

Our 16 episodic documentary series uncovers themes such as culture identity, music, dances, weapons, songs, craft, folklores, language and insights from knowledge bearers from the Kayan, Iban, Niue, Samoa, Cook Islands, and New Zealand Māori.

Sam Pilisi and Iata Peautolu – Niue.
Adrian Jo Milang – Kayan Borneo.
Martin Dinil – Iban Borneo.
Kila Haitana – Māori Aotearoa NZ.
Nancy Naea – Samoa.
Juvita Tatan Wan and Mekat Films.

Person wearing a yellow knit hat and glasses, holding a carved wooden staff with green feathers, seated in a room with framed artwork on the walls. Text on image includes "The Culture Capital" and "Indigenous Exchange."
Person wearing a green leaf-patterned shirt sits in a decorated environment, gesturing while speaking. Text reads "Selina Roimata Patia | Cook Islands" and features logos for The Culture Capital and Indigenous Exchange.
A person seated in front of a bookshelf with colorful books, wearing a dark shirt and light shorts. There is a decorative piece with a black and white pattern next to them. The text "The Culture Capital | Indigenous Exchange" is visible at the bottom.
A man wearing a beige hoodie and pink cap holding a wooden model boat. The background has a colorful shelf. Text on the image reads 'Sam Pilisi | Niue' and includes logos for The Culture Capital and Indigenous Exchange.
A person in a yellow hoodie with tattooed legs sits on a chair in a room with a painting of a historical figure holding a rifle. The text "Iata Peautolu | Niue" is at the top. Logos at the bottom read "The Culture Capital" and "Indigenous Exchange."

Watch IX episodes here:

Grayscale quote "As we live in harmony with others, there are lots of things to take from the idea of reciprocity." Background includes a mountain. Caption says "Niue."
Inspirational quote about language and culture from Cook Islands
Quote about Peldo and teamwork with a background of a forest in Borneo.
Text reading "Whakapapa isn't just about the past, it's about the future, and who we are as people. Aotearoa."
Man holding a wooden weapon with text reading 'Indigenous Exchange: Niue, Kayan, Cook Islands, Māori, Iban, Samoa' and 'The Culture Capital' against a background of greenery and a wooden fence.