Sacred Center - Samoa

SAMOA - The Sacred Center of the Pacific
A dedication to the people of Samoa, my motherland and my ancestors for guiding this journey.
This has been a long time coming, around 2 months of on-and-off editing, learning an entirely new Editing software to handle the files, learning a new camera and multiple drafts to finally reach the end film - I'm so happy to share this with you all!
As you may or may not know, Samoa suffered a measles outbreak at the end of 2019, over 80 people lost their lives and thousands have been affected. I wanted to create a film that would show the beauty of the culture, a timeless piece which people can watch in any era and get a feel of what makes Samoa truly unique - it's people.
This was an entirely self funded trip, no brand sponsorships, just a passion project I have had on my mind since I first picked up a camera. Fast forward three years and I've reached that goal. One thing i'm proud of is that there is no additional footage from a second or third shooter, no stock footage, all the shots you see are my own and were mostly filmed within 6 days with the exception of the Saofa'i (chief ceremony).
The title says Samoa but it also includes American Samoa which are two separate nations, however upon visiting Tutuila I felt like I was still in Samoa and I didn't want to exclude the people and the beautiful island from this film, I wanted to take it back to the pre-colonisation days before other countries came in and changed things.
Hopefully you can appreciate a travel film entirely narrated in a different language, it's definitely experimental and something I had to step outside my comfort zone to accomplish, however I'm proud to share part of my culture with you guys and take you on an authentic trip through my lens.
Filmed, Directed, Edited and Narrated by yours truly! If you haven't been to Samoa yet, you really are missing out on a special place ;)
Any technical specs just request in the comments and i'll do my best to answer.
The gear I use - kit.co/BenMikha
Where I get my music - share.mscbd.fm/benmikha
Additional track from HP Boyz - / @hpboyzofficial
My Cinematic travel film LUTs and Presets - benmikha.com/products/
Instagram - / benmikha
Huge shout out to Carlin Leota for coming along on this trip and his parents for providing transport and accom! / carlinleota
Also thank you to Samson Vaotuua for helping with the delivery of the Voice over and my Mum for translating -
/ samson_rambo
Samantha Veitch for being the ultimate support person behind the scenes - / samanthaveitch
Finally, huge thank you to everyone that gave up there time to make this film possible! This film wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for you all.
Alo & Liz Leota
Gabrielle Faaiuaso
Asomua Saili
Traci Porotesano
Tamiano Gurr
Tulaga Whitcombe
Braden King
Julius Petersen
Sofia Paul
Fina Paul
Salaivalu Taisa
Fire Dancers - Tasi & the Aliis of Samoa
Junior Tasi
Elijah Shaw Pinoyll
Lisona Loleni
EFKS Sinamoga
Samoana High School
Le Vasa Resort and Spa
DISCLAIMER - I do not allow redistribution of this film or any of my other content for promotion of services or goods in any form unless agreed upon in written document prior to distribution with consent from my solicitor, all content is strictly copyrighted. If you would like to license or reuse any of my films/content please Email me at - [e-mail]

[@carlinleota]

Never been so proud to be Samoan 🇼🇸

[@HAMOEVACHEEHOOO]

You to uso I've seen your God given talent when I saw that ONEFOUR after movie concert, I swear we are talented people.

[@HAMOEVACHEEHOOO]

@@likemyice3710 lol what's your problem with Samoans?

[@ayrtons1572]

Sammmeee seki asf USO!

[@bekcity7486]

Facts

[@eighty9]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnWYlWOgaMiZZ8k

[@shabaddeepsingh6577]

As an non Polynesian/ Islander I love my Samoan brothers and Sisters. Long live my USO's.

[@mariechester2542]

Samoans are the most beautiful people in the world

[@tiotiwilliams8311]

Marie Chester Haha what a joke

[@HAMOEVACHEEHOOO]

@@tiotiwilliams8311 haha what a hater

[@user-lz2mq7ls2d]

Marie Chester sorry but mums are not the nicest when it comes to chores but still they still have love to us kids

[@mauiwaui773]

Yet the scariest if you piss them off😂

[@hs4a085]

JJ Rolfe jealous much? Lol

[@elijah0491]

As a Tongan my wife and I soon plan to add Samoa to our travels to the Pacific. Incredible story telling through the cinematography.

[@bryn]

Beautiful work brother! We want more this story telling 🙌🙌

[@BenMikha]

MrBrynnorth thank you bro!

[@nicolewilliams1965]

As a South African, we're constantly wanting to travel the world, especially Europe, however I've always felt connected to the Polynesian culture, maybe because it reminds me so much of my own. Samoa is definitely one of the countries on my travel list and this film has prompted me to visit soon. Love that you shone a light on this epidemic and I will continue to pray for the advancement and wellbeing of Samoa.xx

[@jancinematic3619]

Love from INDIA 🇮🇳 ♥️♥️♥️

[@marekosolomona9390]

Kiwi born but I'm a very proud Samoan... Always represent my culture 🇼🇸🇼🇸🇼🇸 No matter what culture you are, be proud of it 🙏🏼💯

[@yourstrulyeliz]

Ben, this is absolutely incredible. This film has definitely confirmed my honour for you as one of my top favourite filmmakers. The story telling is so beautiful, empowering & meaningful. The production as such a small team, mainly yourself is so impressive. The sound design and visual moments were so intimate and crisp. This touched me for sure, I respect you so much. Growing up around my Samoan friends my whole life has always given me appreciation for the culture and its people and this film dug deeper for me. Thank you ❤️🙏🏽 Keep using your gifting to empower people!

[@onetwo6675]

ALOFA ATU USO FA'AFETAI... SO'O LE FAU I LE FAU... ONLY A FAU TREE CAN JOIN A FAU TREE, "A TREE IS STRONG BECAUSE OF IT'S ROOTS" MAKING IT ("STRONGER") AS ONE. BEAUTIFUL ANCESTRY MY BROTHER. FROM THE "SACRED" BLOOD LINE "OLO'APU FAMILY" SONS OF THE ("HIGH CHIEFS​ & PRIESTS") MALO USO. HAMO FAA SAMOA THE ANCIENT FORBIDDEN & SACRED TRIBES 🙏 MAD RESPECT & LOVE THOSE THAT HAVE PAST & THE PRESENT 🙌

[@graceierome1975]

PHENOMENAL!! Cried watching this and couldn’t help but feel so proud to be Samoan. I could feel the love in this. Inspired big time 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾❤️❤️❤️

[@Harry.Lee.]

Felt so hypnotic watching this. Spellbinding in its entirety and I'm sure anyone from outside the paradisic boundaries of Samoa would be magnetized to our shores. Breathtaking aerials and editing I can only dream of. Fa'amālo Ben. Fa'afetai tele lava.

[@samoanperks4638]

I love how you did both Tutuila and Apia🇦🇸🇼🇸

[@stancedr3368]

Thank you so much for making this video! Crying watching it. My heart belongs to Samoa. I'm not even Samoan, but my love and respect for it run so deep. So much so, that I'm crying as I'm writing this. I can only hope to visit Samoa one day. But I know I wouldn't want to leave. God bless Samoa and every Samoan. I'll love you always!! Fa'afetai.

[@kingjfuimaono1140]

I love uso but funny

[@TorrellTafa]

So proud of all your hard work uce! Makes me proud to be Samoan 🇼🇸🇼🇸🇼🇸🇼🇸

[@Ajay.Meka.]

Where it was located...??

[@AidinRobbins]

Dude! So dang good. Love everything about this

[@27sianaauaa76]

Gotta love my Pacific Brothers and sisters 🇼🇸🇼🇸 beautiful land beautiful people

[@44mikehunt]

Thank you for this post 🙏🏻 I recently discovered I’m 4% Samoan so it’s nice getting to know a little of who I am... I know it ain’t much, but the blood still runs in me 💯🙏🏻

[@BarHawa]

A little late,but much love brother. A Samoan is a Samoan always

[@NEHHH12]

I love my culture so much 😭🇼🇸

[@hungrysamoan]

What beautiful shots of our island home - Malo lava!

[@rhiamonmundo4142]

Love from the island of Guam 💙

[@vincentricketts6022]

“Can I make one thing clear” 🎼 Amazing visuals and words 👏🏽

[@samoanbeast3331]

This videos deserves a Award🏆 for best Pacific Island culture video or sumtn.

[@Fruity-sb9lg]

Such beautiful artwork youve made. Proud to call myself Samoan and reminds me of how beautiful our island and people are.

[@OberstStruppi]

not many effects, not many movements... just pictures in a good row with good audio. its just video creating on a very.... VERY high level. my respect.

[@aiilesenefmose8656]

WAS PART OF THIS VIDEO AND IT WAS ACTUALLY FUN ! THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS IS BEAUTIFUL! SAMOANAAAAAAAAA (CHEEEEHOOOOOO)

[@mandelyn.t]

Beautiful. Thanks for capturing our Samoan people 🇦🇸

[@kckepu]

I love how you included Tutuila, they are still Samoan. Love it uce!

[@kanuzik3181]

Samoa all the way🇼🇸❤💙🤙

[@fakapikopikomardito980]

Inspiring and Breath taking! For all Polynesians island to be seen in a light not shown to the world. Only the ones who truly explore deep in cultures. Beautifully executed ❤️ OFAATU TO all the Islands!

[@loleiele6845]

Thank you for showing our beautiful country. I’ve never been so proud to be Samoan CHEEEEOOOOO 🇼🇸

[@nikko__5850]

Amazing body of work. The narration and filmography captured the beauty of Samoa in all of its glory. Thank you kindly, 🇦🇸🇼🇸🇳🇿

[@shalomvaeloto3714]

Beautiful work uso, love the way you capture the life in both Samoa and American Samoa in a cinematic style. Its reflected that we are one, despite the differences in Political path and western influences. We are Samoan 👌🏼❤ people from the Sun, one language, one culture "Fa'aSamoa".

[@solleilua]

💕💕Samoa you’re just so Beautiful!❤️ Can’t wait to visit again💯

[@Gowe684]

To be honest, watching this brought me to tears. Samoa is so beautiful, and the aiga makes it so much better. Shoutout to the people stuck in the mainland, waiting for their time to make it back to the islands. And a big fa'afetai to Ben for bringing this together. This is a powerful project and a beautiful documentation of Samoa. I want more, and frankly, Samoa needs more content like this. Not just to record and preserve the beauty of the island for the upcoming generations, but because videos like this really bring people together, off and on-island. Like how 60minutes brought people together for Samoa with their "football island' documentary and indirectly improved the island's funding, scholarships, and opportunities for kids playing football in Samoa. Content creators wanting to get together to work on future projects like this for Samoa, please message me!

[@kdiv3908]

Maimau pe ana toe foi Samoa I le olaga sa masani ai. Ae o loo malosi pea le aganuu. Ia tamau ai pea✊

[@MsAnnaSamu]

Thank you Ben for doing this for our people. Faamanuia pea le Atua i lau taleni.

[@amatakoulinski3891]

The footage combined with the music and track activated every proud Samoan cell in me. SPEECHLESS!!

[@arbsan8366]

I’m not even Polynesia but this is beautiful to watch🙏🏽 Love the message at the end about embracing different cultures and walks of life❤️🙏🏽

[@lntg]

The post prod sound effects add so much emotion to this spectacle!!! Amazing work Ben🤙

[@thailandertravel]

awesome work, varinasi tho 👍👌😀

[@theadventuresofzoomandbettie]

100% agree!! Really nailed it!

[@amandahoglund6978]

I cant express how in love I am with this. You've captured the beauty of Samoa perfectly

[@RobinKiba]

One of the best videos i‘ve ever seen on this platform. Mouth was wide open for the whole time. My deepest respect for That storytelling and the cinematography. Crazy Skills and beautiful motives, too. I‘m just stunned. Great work man, appreciate it!

[@reidytodrone3876]

Truly inspiring and an emotional journey superbly told with beauty a people a culture an Island paradise. My late parents being Samoan myself born in NZ a touching tribute to all Samoans. The Samoan measle epidemic was horrific your efforts to raise money through awareness of a culture totally superb. Exceptional Ben my best wishes and prayers 😁👍

[@bennycrisp]

This is epic brother! Samoa is such an epic place, you’ve nailed it.

[@jessesherer9792]

Such crisp filmmaking. I love the back and forth between the beautiful scenery and the beautiful people.

[@sinasamalulu5854]

This was beautiful, and I'm going to admit that it made me cry. Thanks for making me feel proud to be Samoan.

[@natpicking]

Malo lava Ben! Inspired story telling for sure. Amazing work bro. God bless! 🇼🇸

[@user-xg3jp7vx7t]

Love this 😍 especially the message at the end. 🗣👏🏼

[@lolashsjsk]

This deserves an award.

[@aricogen]

This story is incredible, the visuals are breathtaking, and everything combined makes this a masterpiece. Well done

[@MilkieJ0e]

Absolutely magnificent,I felt privileged to view this....The use of language is perfect.much love from Australia.

[@lazdtuigamala3442]

Beautifully said and well documented. Love my people and our motherland SAM4SAM🇼🇸

[@coupletrippers]

I've never thought about traveling to Samoa but after this video, it will appear on my travel list 😉 Lately, I also start learning new editing software 😁 I've switched from Premiere Pro to DaVinci Resolve mostly because of stability. Premiere Pro made me crazy after unexpected crushes... What software are you using now?

[@wint2792]

It reminds me of those who died in the 2009 tsunami event too, so tragic that a tsunami of a different kind took more lives in 2019. Such a warm-hearted film you made, thanks so much for capturing the beauty of our beloved Samoan islands~~ makes me very homesick now! theres no place like home ~

[@CaptainSinbad]

Badass

[@andha130]

Sublime in every sense ❤️

[@withimmtabs]

Wow.... The cinematography, sound design, story telling, colour grade, effects, transitions.....on point mate.....Amazing work....

[@andrewlapalapa8214]

I think the mist from someone cutting onions near me got in my eyes somehow😭 So beautiful uso.

[@francescadiana]

I'm in awe with how beautiful this is done and with how much respect each sequence is edited and each word is spoken. 👏

[@norah685]

Really enjoyed this video. Makes me miss home especially when you showed everyday happenings

[@samzo3944]

Ocean, beautiful people and culture ❤️🇼🇸

[@TheMarsss99]

Mesmerizing .... I can feel the emotion.... Wonderful job... Well done Ben.

[@luwananueiti7670]

ALOHA family! GOD is good! ONELOVE L&J! Alofa brother's and sister's! 🙏💜

[@jeremy76017]

Truely amazing and breathtaking work ! Love to see movies like this filled with rich emotions ! Seriously inspiring 🙌

[@sapataamu]

Seki uso. Thanks for sharing and capturing both Samoas 🇼🇸🇦🇸 in your journey. Cheers!

[@iamheartslight]

Malo Ben, not sure if you read the comments but here goes... this is simply BEAUTIFUL and an inspiring piece of filmmaking. It is a touching tribute to those, mainly young, lives lost in the heartbreaking measles epidemic. Watching your film I laughed at the seevae being used as drumsticks, was captivated by the Siva Afi and touched by the point re looking to our own Samoan genealogy for inspiration. (Couldn't agree more! I've made the point before that if our ancestors were navigating the vast Pacific that covers over 30% of the earth's surface, they had to have SMARTS) I was also saddened by the fact that while Samoa has survived waves of colonisation, Samoans are NOT surviving Western JUNK FOOD. While I love to revel in the beauty of our people, their smiles and grace, and our culture, I am not immune to the slow-motion disaster that is DIABETES and Samoa's place within the world leaders. Unlike rugby, this is not something we want to be known as having a natural talent for! The health risks that come with a diet that is no longer close to nature is KILLING us at a faster rate than other nationalities. The 2016 WHO report on Diabetes singled Samoa out with: 'Half of all adults in Samoa are at high risk of developing NCDs such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.' Yes we may be genetically predisposed to carry fat compared with other races BUT that is the loaded gun, the bullet gets fired with diet and lifestyle choices. I know you are a travel bug more than anything else but any chance you would/could make a film to raise awareness of our need to get back to nature? I would be happy to help with more info if you needed it... I know I'm being cheeky, but honestly, I think your filmmaking / narrative skills combined with a genuine love for Samoa may be able to encourage a more widespread positive shift back to nature... far more than any purely-palagi paternalistic journalism piece (check out KZbin vid 'Unreported World - The Fattest Place on Earth')... Feel free to ignore me, I won't take offence, I'm of the school of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'. Keep up the great work, I look forward to seeingthe next instalment... :P (Btw, I've lived in London since 1999 but originally hail from Titirangi, West Auckland, think you may be around the same age as my nephew...)

[@anmolsaran7848]

Such a powerful and a mesmerizing video. Ben you showed Samoa to it's best . Very proud of you🙏

[@lostintravel_at]

Wow, what a great video! Greetings from Vienna!

[@NeptuneVII]

Such a beautiful film! Awesome work Mika...much Alofas🇼🇸💚

[@cinematicadventures]

Well captured, Thanks for the journey

[@leeboy7629]

Great work and great story...what a way to show your gratitude for Samoa...visuals were dope as well the scores...great job Uso..much love..

[@gianlucapengo]

This is an amazing piece of work! It really gives the idea of that incredible culture and brings you there!

[@koalabears4038]

So much love for my island 🇼🇸🇼🇸 thank you for capturing our culture so well

[@samzo3944]

Be proud :]

[@lestercrest1535]

Love from New Zealand to my poly brothers and sisters. ❤️❤️❤️

[@princebenart]

Ben, you're my Top Filmmaker in this World. I'm very inspired to be more than I am now 🙏🏾

[@phoebewhittam201]

This is sick! Love your work. Can't wait for the next video!

[@wesleyvalentine8534]

Your storytelling ability is insane man, great piece of work here!

[@tamzyzaplon7279]

Thank you for the beautiful film of our homeland. 🇼🇸🇦🇸

[@helentauaufilisi9934]

Beautiful shots of the Samoa Islands! malo lava for putting your short film on the world stage for all to admire the beauty of Samoa. I enjoyed listening and reading your script too. We forefathers were warriors, discoverers and fascinating in what they passed down to us. Ia manuia...

[@Geographics234]

A strong story telling with nice sound design editing and cinematography. Very well done mate

[@zq5226]

Amazing work, its been 14 long yrs I havent seen my birth place Samoa this make me want to plan a vac soon. Ps. Absolutely wonderful video God Bless your work

[@victorkauyaca2305]

Bula vinaka Samoa 🇼🇸

[@racso6853]

Makes me more proud to be Samoan 🔥🇼🇸 Fa’avae le Atua Samoa

[@explorewithboo]

That was so amazing..feels like i'm in our province..

[@seandmaccormack.8528]

Food for thought,SAMOA - meaning -SA for Sacred & Moa Ocean of the deep Sea,people of the ocean deep sea,im Irish Samoan mothers from the village Mota'a in Apia miss you mama Rip,Godbless All.

[@theephraimite]

sean maccormack, if that were true, then it would be named Moasa, not Samoa. Samoa could mean the family of Moa. Sa is the equivalent of the English “ite”, which is used as a suffix as in Moabite, Hittite and Canaanite, etc. The proper way of translating “sacred center” would be moa sa. You see, sa should come after moa, not before it. I’m afraid Samoan arrogance is making Samoans see things that aren’t there, if you know what I mean.

[@seandmaccormack.8528]

@@theephraimite thank you for correcting I'm not a expert in the Samoan language but it makes logic,Godbless Samoa .

[@MykaStanley]

Loved watching this and seeing Samoa through your eyes. Malo lava Ben. 🙌🏽

[@johnnyson7474]

I love the way this video portrays the essence and feelings of the origin of our main Homeland.

[@Arri.]

The sound fx on its on top work and flow just 👏🏼 yes

[@jarrodgali1138]

That Engineers beat thou 2:55 IYKYK. Seki video uso

[@samanthaveitch525]

In love with this piece ❤️

[@estherdominguez932]

This is amazing Ben❤ just had time to view it now. Your Samoan sounds perfect haha so proud of you x

A couple of days ago I was thinking about when you will release a new video! This is art Ben. Amazing. What new camera are you using? Thanks!

[@chrismuelu2070]

Amazing video production and emotive story. Samoa Tourism would be wise to get in contact with you

[@martinezlopau9859]

So proud to be samoan ❤️🇼🇸🇼🇸

[@Marcus.and.Chelsey.]

Bro this video tells the story really well. Your cinematics are just out of this world! Keep creating man :)

[@faamanulefuahytongue2036]

thanks uso..God Bless

[@itsjonastho]

Absolutely LOVE this creation! TY 4 shining a light on Samoa by sharing ur God given talents! This was put 2gether so beautifully! Faafetai lava!

[@justkayy]

Amaaazing mate!!

[@BenMikha]

Kay thanks Kay!

[@ggvo8ph7us7q]

You have captured every single aspect of what makes Samoa, Samoa... Love it! 👍🏽❤️

[@user-sl3sv2yk2b]

wow. just wow. this video is absolutely amazing and beautiful, just like the country. i'm from new zealand but i hope to one day travel to samoa to learn about the culture and country and experience it for myself :).