“Heroes of Micronesia,” produced by Nihi Indigenous Media, celebrates “leaders across Micronesia who protected and nurtured our homelands and peoples with wisdom and care.”
Cinta M. Kaipat
THE late former Rep. Cinta M. Kaipat is among 12 leaders from Micronesia who are featured in an upcoming animated series titled “Heroes of Micronesia,” produced by Guam-based Nihi Indigenous Media.
The series premiere at the Guam Museum on Feb. 21 will be followed by screenings at Rota’s Sinapalo Elementary School at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 27; at the Tinian Youth Center at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 28; and at American Memorial Park’s indoor theater on Saipan at 5:30 p.m. on March 1.
All shows are free and open to the public. The CNMI screenings were made possible with support from the Northern Marianas Humanities Council.
The series celebrates “leaders across Micronesia who protected and nurtured our homelands and peoples with wisdom and care.”
“From healers to lawyers to artists, whether organizing community action, sustaining traditional knowledge, crafting poetry, or changing policy — the featured regional heroes come from all walks of life, connected by a deeply rooted love for their islands, people, and future,” a media release stated.
The narrators are Andresina Sengebau McManus, Zina San Nicolas Ruiz, and Master Navigator Larry Raigetal.
“This series is sort of like an animated storybook giving viewers a brief glimpse into the legacies of our heroes,” said series director and co-writer Cara Flores. “For Auntie Cinta, we share highlights of her life as both an advocate and artist.”
Flores said the film was made to be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Co-writer Siobhon Rumurang spoke about the series’ focus on uplifting Micronesia.
“Every part of making this series was an affirmation of Micronesian talent and excellence — from the heroes themselves to the writing, illustrating, animating, narrating, and scoring of this project,” she said. “I’m so proud of our storytelling team and what it meant for all of us to be part of this work, to immerse ourselves in the legacies of these leaders. Their integrity and belief in Micronesia’s collective future gives me hope.”
Apart from “Heroes of Micronesia,” Nihi Indigenous Media will also screen their Chamorro immersion show “Ulu Hulo’ ” and “Marianas Cousins,” a series that features children from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
