What is The Kiribati Project?
In May and June 2024, a group of filmmakers from Loyola University Chicago journeyed to the Pacific island nation of Kiribati. Their mission: to introduce a dozen Kiribati youth to the art of video documentary storytelling. Equipped with tools and comprehensive training, these aspiring storytellers immersed themselves in every aspect of production, from initial concept to final production (see examples below). They received crucial mentorship and support, ensuring they can effectively utilize their new found skills and be able to share their narratives with a global audience.
Now that filming has been completed, the post-production process is underway to create a feature-length documentary that will be shared with a global audience. It will showcase life in present-day Kiribati through the perspectives and experiences of the youth involved in the project, offering personalized insights into a community often marginalized, overlooked, and misrepresented. Kiribati youth will introduce viewers to their distinctive language, culture, and unique aspects of importance that only exist in Kiribati. Through their storytelling, viewers will gain a firsthand glimpse into the significance and challenges faced by the people of Kiribati.
Why Kiribati?
Most people couldn’t locate the Pacific island nation of Kiribati
on a map. Similar to other low-lying countries, it faces issues
requiring attention to safeguard its distinctive culture,
beautiful people, and unique landscape.
The perspectives of Kiribati's youth offers invaluable insights into
a place that most will never have the opportunity to visit.
Sharing the story of Kiribati with the global community offers
an understanding of what matters most to its young people
and how they envision the future will be for them going forward.
Stories from Kiribati
Stories from Kiribati
Mataele's Story
A Tale From Kiribati
Stories from Kiribati
Experience a few Kiribati youth's stories
by watching these short narratives
created for environmental film
competitions by project filmmakers.
Get to know Kiribati
Kiribati's 33 island atolls straddle the equator in the central Pacific Ocean. Not unlike many low lying island nations, it is grappling with fluctuating conditions that can disrupt daily life. The nation's vulnerability to external factors poses threats to its inhabitants and the continuity of their lives.
Rich in culture and a diverse environment, the
Kiribati story is one that many outsiders don't know much about. Through this project, the world will
have an opportunity to experience Kiribati from
the perspective of young people who want to
share their stories with the world.
Weather
Ocean
Tropical Islands
Sun
Water
The Battle of Tarawa
The Battle of Tarawa was a bloody and costly battle that took place in the Gilbert Islands in November 1943. The battle pitted the United States against Japan, and it resulted in the deaths of nearly 6,400 Japanese, Koreans, and Americans.
The battle had a profound impact on Kiribati, which is now the nation that includes the Gilbert Islands. The battle destroyed most of the infrastructure on Betio Island, including the capital of the Gilbert Islands, and it killed or displaced a large number of Kiribati people. The battle left Kiribati in a state of economic and social disruption.
Kiribati during WWII
Kiribati during WWII
Tarawa Gun Emplacements
Kiribati during WWII
"This project's greatest benefit is empowering Kiribati youth to authentically share the story that matters most to them. Our narrative, shaped by the daily realities of life in Kiribati, is uniquely ours to tell. We are the ultimate storytellers and directors of our own journey. Equipping us with new skills, this initiative ensures our voices, particularly those of our youth, remain essential in shaping our future. It grants us the ability to perpetuate accurate, up-to-date information long after our mentors have departed."
Tiein Taebo
Producer/Co-Director
The name "Kiribati" is pronounced "Kee-ruh-bas" in English because the "ti" sound in the Gilbertese language is pronounced as an "s" sound in English. The alphabet is made up of 13 letters, including five vowels (A, E, I, O, U) which are pronounced the same as in other languages. English is the other official language but it is not as widely spoken as outside the capital of South Tarawa.
The Gilbertese language (also known as Kiribatese or Ikiribati) is a Micronesian language spoken in Kiribati and the surrounding islands. The language has a number of sounds that are not found in English, such as the "ti" sound. When the name "Kiribati" was first introduced to English speakers, it was pronounced with the "ti" sound as it is pronounced in Gilbertese. However, over time, the pronunciation of the name has shifted to "Kee-ruh-bas", which is more easily pronounced by English speakers.
Get to know the project
With over half of the country’s population categorized
as “youth" (those under the age of 25) Kiribati
youth have come to understand the challenges
they face and how to deal with issues that will
touch every citizen of their country. There is
concern changing conditions related to access
to land, access to water, access to adequate
food and so on, could be a significant reason
for pushing young people to migrate elsewhere,
thus impacting the nation's future.
To build resilience towards the future, young
people recognize the important role they play in
decisions about their future and that of Kiribati.
Beyond providing knowledge and the vehicle
to produce a documentary, this project will
also provide the necessary assistance to
get worldwide distribution of their story.
Train youth filmmaking
Identify the stories most important to their culture
Partner with Kiribati youth to film and edit their story
Secure worldwide distribution of the film
Share with the world the Kiribati story
This project places a strong emphasis on personalizing the narrative, giving the people of Kiribati the platform
to share their own stories. Through their authentic voices, audiences will better understand life’s
challenges in Kiribati. The citizens of Kiribati have
a wealth of experiences to share, and this film will facilitate that sharing process.
Audiences will gain insights into the community's perspectives and document the unique aspects of
life in a remote island location.
In addition to the storytelling aspect, this initiative will play a crucial role in preserving a visual record of the country and its culture, ensuring that it remains accessible for generations to come.
Meet the Team
Dedicated. Expertise. Passion.
Current and former Loyola University Chicago students and alumni, now established in the filmmaking industry, openly share their expertise on this distinctive film initiative similar to a previously successful endeavor. Building on the 2019
achievement in Tuvalu, this Loyola team of team of research assistants, educators, video documentarians, mentors, and crucially, filmmaking collaborators share their knowledge and skills with the youth of Kiribati.
Loyola University Chicago Crew
John C.P. Goheen
Director / Educator
John C.P. Goheen is considered one of American’s premiere distinguished educators and video storytellers. His innovative work and unique style of storytelling has garnered him worldwide recognition and acknowledgment as a pioneer in mobile storytelling.
He is the first 3-time National Press Photographer of the Year. His work has received over 300 local, national and international awards. As an educator, his new methods approach, expertise, knowledge and smartphone integration in the classroom has established him as a creative innovator. John is constantly developing new approaches to video storytelling, exploring new paths, and embracing new opportunities. He shares his knowledge and expertise with learners from around the world.
Tiein Taebo
Co-Director
Tiein grew up in Kiribati and today works as the Director of the Kiribati Youth Services Corps on behalf of Kiribati first youth-led organization called Tungaru Youth Action (TYA).
Tiein's role within the Kiribati Youth Services Corps is multifaceted. She is responsible for facilitating the inclusion of video and audio skills training into the program, collaborating with local youth to ensure their engagement in this unique opportunity. Additionally, Tiein holds a crucial position in ensuring access, logistics, transportation, lodging, and other essential elements are in place for such a large-scale production.
As part of the Kiribati Youth Services Corps, Tiein serves as the central point of contact for various activities, encompassing coordination of programs involving the Loyola crew and local youth through TYA organization.
She also will take on the responsibility of promoting and disseminating information about the program while fulfilling a role as a cultural fact checker.
Robert Kennedy
Producer / Educator
Robert Kennedy is a second year interdisciplinary master’s student in Loyola University Chicago’s International Affairs program. With a background in video storytelling, he focuses on humanity's relationship with the environment and the global discussions influencing it. His experience in U.S. and international governance, agriculture, and public relations has provided him with valuable insights into the decision-making processes for climate and the food system. Through his work, Robert seeks to highlight the environmental challenges faced by communities worldwide.
Kaitlin McMurry
Producer / Editor
Kaitlin is an award-winning Denver-based filmmaker who received her master’s degree in Digital Media and Storytelling from Loyola University Chicago. Most recently she directed, Ashes to Ashes, a documentary about the impact of coal ash in Alabama, which was selected for a variety of film festivals throughout the U.S. Kaitlin currently works as a producer and production manager for her own freelance production company.
Sanjay Numbiar
Producer / Educator / Editor
In 2023, Sanjay obtained his master's degree in Digital Media & Storytelling at Loyola University Chicago. With over 20 years of expertise as a writer, director, and producer, he has crafted diverse films in both India and the United States. Sanjay's approach to storytelling focuses on showcasing the victory of the human spirit in challenging circumstances. His films revolve around universal stories that rise above cultural and linguistic differences, offering a compassionate portrayal of the human experience.
Jacob Pieczynski
Producer / Editor
Jacob is an award-winning storyteller who has directed projects for non-profit organizations and small businesses in Milwaukee, Chicago, and Puerto Rico. Jacob specializes in telling stories with meaning and purpose. He currently works as Director of Marketing and Communications for the non-profit organization, AUSL. Jacob received his master's degree in Digital Media Storytelling from Loyola University Chicago.
Michael Rogowski
Producer / Educator / Editor
Mike is a third year student studying Criminal Justice with a minor in film at Loyola University Chicago. He’s worked as a videographer for Loyola University and been involved in multiple student projects. He is passionate about video storytelling and welcomed the opportunity to share his knowledge with the youth of Kiribati.
Taylor Zielenbach
Producer / Educator / Editor
Taylor is from Southern California and is a second year student at Loyola University Chicago. She is majoring in Multimedia Journalism and writes for the university newspaper, The Loyola Phoenix. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Taylor values the time spent in Kiribati and is eager to see the competed documentary.
Kiribati Youth Crew
Tooma Antonio &
Kiatoa Uereti
Producer/Camera Operator
Salee Iotebwaa
Producer/Camera Operator
Mataela Lagafaoa
Producer/Camera Operator
Michael Moote
Producer/Camera Operator
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Ivy Titebe (Isla)
Producer/Camera Operator
Burangke Tebiri
Producer/Camera Operator
Tiaon Toauriri
Producer/Camera Operator
Rotia Uaborau
Producer/Camera Operator
Proof of concept:
We Are Tuvalu
The Kiribati Project was executed similarly to
the documentary We Are Tuvalu (2019). This feature length documentary proved that the innovation approach to telling a long form
story using inexperienced, novice filmmakers
can be done successfully.
A core group of educators and filmmakers worked side-by-side with Tuvalu youth to produce this film and successfully
repeated this concept in Kiribati.
This award winning We Are Tuvalu film was broadcast in over 50 countries through ABC Australia, TV New Zealand and nationally in the United States on Public Television (PBS) and is
available for screeing on this site.
