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The Mentawai

Siberut Island, Indonesia

Team

Director, DP, script, editor: Béatrice Vu

Date

Film in progress

Description

The Mentawai are the indigenous people of the Mentawai Islands in Sumatra, Indonesia. They live mainly on Siberut Island. The tribe has its own language, culture and customs passed down from their ancestors thousands of years ago.
 
The Mentawai are also one of the few remaining who still believe in animism and are one of the oldest tribes. The tribe members are covered from head to toe in tattoos, which has a deep balance for them. In May, 2023, I immerse myself 4 days in their culture mostly connecting with Sikerei (Shaman) and Bai Jalamati (his wife). 

Stills