Nicole Yamase begins her journey of discovery by diving to the deepest part of the ocean, an area within the Marianas Trench named “Challenger Deep” that lies beneath the territorial waters of her country. When she surfaces, she is met with a storm of media attention. Feeling the immense pressure of being the first Micronesian and Pacific Islander to go down to the Challenger Deep (and only the second woman in history), Nicole begins a deeper dive into her own identity as a Micronesian and a descendent of great navigators. This experience ultimately opens her eyes to the true resilience of Pacific Island people who–despite immense hardship brought on by external forces–continue to draw strength from the cultural practices, languages, and ancestral knowledge that anchor them to their oceanic homeland.

Director Daniel H. Lin initially intended to capture Nicole’s historic journey, but realized this would open the door to an expansive documentary feature that tells a broader story of little known history. Rather than stay within the mainstream media paradigm of personal achievement, Nicole’s story after her expedition is an even deeper dive — a journey through identity, representation, and responsibility. Ultimately, REMATHAU: PEOPLE OF THE OCEAN became a filmic experience that allowed them to chronicle historical legacy spanning oceans, islands, and multiple generations.

CREDITS

Director(s): Daniel H Lin

Producer(s): Anne Quidez, Daniel H Lin

Writer(s): Anne Quidez, Daniel H Lin

Cast: Nicole Yamase, Max Yarawamai, Jermy Uowolo, Thomas Raffipiy, Nainoa Thompson

Cinematographer(s): Rob Lau

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