Our Purpose
Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is home to a rich pool of cultures and histories shaped by its diverse indigenous communities. During our time in the Philippines, we gained a deeper understanding of the culture, history, and societal challenges faced by the Filipino people.​ Focusing on the Ati and Halian communities, we sought to understand how they navigate environmental challenges, maintain their cultural identity, and advocate for their rights and land in a world that often seeks to quiet their voices. We want to understand how do these communities protect their land and heritage in the face of encroachment? How do they inspire future generations to sustain their culture, their environment, and their identity against forces that seek to erase or reshape them? Through the relationships we built with our collaborators, we seek to delve deeper into these questions and gain a deeper understanding of these communities and their stories.
In October 2024, Pinctada Pearl Productions traveled to the Philippines and spent two weeks immersing ourselves in the rich cultural traditions of the Ati and Halian communities, guided by the support of local leaders and educators. Our work was inspired by the resilience and dedication of these communities to preserve their heritage and pass it on to future generations.
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In Boracay, we delved into the generational story of the Ati community, guided by the voices of tribal leader and elder Delsa Justo, community advocate Maria, and the children who embody the future of their culture. Through their perspectives, we explore how the Ati navigate the challenges of rising tourism and external pressures while remaining deeply connected to their identity and traditions.
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​On Halian Island, we experienced life through the lens of Lady, a community leader whose story embodies the strength and unity of the islanders. Her dedication to ecological balance and intergenerational knowledge highlights how the Halian community preserves their cultural heritage and adapts to environmental challenges while fostering communal harmony.​
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As Pinctada Pearl Productions, we are thrilled to share the powerful stories of the families, community leaders, and youth we met in the Philippines across our social platforms, leading up to the premiere of our two documentaries: LADY and I Remain.
Lady
This short documentary film follows the story of a young activist born and raised on a remote island two hours off the coast of Siargao, Philippines, and is dedicated to protecting her island. After Super Typhoon Odette, Lady Carmel P. Litang, 25, is faced with challenges beyond the tumultuous road to higher education or government neglect–she embraces the burden of seeking solutions for catastrophic climate questions. Facing a future full of uncertainty, Lady often turns to her ancestors, past and present, who were the first people to inhabit Isla Halian. Rooted in the values of where she comes from, she takes us on her journey to discover what lies ahead.
