I believe that the secret to our longevity
as a human race lies in community and sustainability. It about 'local
encounters'. The palm seeds are collected, pummelled and processed locally by
the hands of local women and the palm oil is then shared among the
community. The women of the Djola tribe took me under their wing as their
little lu-lu (white) daughter, and were excited to invite me to their three day
palm oil making ceremony.
There was little time for planning. The
project developed by my being absorbed in the moment while I maintained my
perspective to see story and structure. The story played itself out as the
women shared their knowledge.
The language barrier was the greatest
challenge, but I caught on quickly, and my friend from the village helped to
interpret. We were able to digest the responses quickly enough to present more
thorough questions without losing pace. (I speak fluent Spanish from my travels
and documentary work in Cuba and South America.) My ambition is to travel the
world unearthing and creating stories which engage, inspire and inform. My aim
is to broaden perspectives, stimulate thought and inspire change.
