Personal Interviews

Personal Interviews

PERSONAL ON-CAMERA INTERVIEWS

Featured here are some of my favorite on-camera interviews conducted in recent years. Interviewees include professors, students, and colleagues. Formal and informal interviews on a variety of topics are included. Visit University Filmworks on YouTube.

Interview with Mr James Lu | Hong Kong Hotels Association | Steven Martin

In an open dialogue on leadership and innovation with Mr. James Lu, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Hotels Association, we learn about Mr. Lu’s personal success and vision for the future and rewarding aspects of the hospitality industry. The video is recommended for international students looking to improve their career opportunities and personal development.

Interview with Mr James Lu | Hong Kong Hotels Association

Interview with Calvin Yuen | Shang Palace, Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel | Steven Martin

Dr. Steven Martin interviews Calvin Yuen, and outstanding young professional in the hotel and tourism industry. Calvin is a graduate of The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) in Hong Kong and serves as an outstanding example of personal development through applied learning and hard work. The interview was conducted at the Shang Palace, Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel, Hong Kong.

Interview with Calvin Yuen | Shang Palace, Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel

Interview with Prof Kaye Chon | School of Hotel and Tourism Management | Steven Martin

Dr. Steven Martin interviews Prof. Kaye Chon from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), after a recent lecture at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand. Interview topics include the meaning of hospitality, the prolific growth of the industry in Asia, and the experience of studying in Phuket. Prof. Chon describes the significance of the "Asian Paradigm".

Interview with Prof Kaye Chon | School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Interview with Prof Sombo Manara | Khmer historian | Nha Trang, Vietnam | Steven Martin

Dr. Steven Martin interviews Prof. Dr. Sombo Manara, a leading expert in Khmer ancient history. The interview took place at the Po Nagar Temple in Nha Trang, Vietnam, a 7th - 12th century Hindu temple and vestige of the once powerful Champa Kingdom. Cham is an Austronesian language, part of a super-family of languages generally associated with the seafaring peoples of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Interview with Prof Sombo Manara | Khmer historian | Nha Trang, Vietnam

Interview with Robbert Habibi | American Teacher | Phuket, Thailand | Steven Martin

Dr Steven Martin interviews Robert Habibi, an American Teacher from Washington DC, now working at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus. The film is intended for students considering to studying abroad in Southeast Asia. The interview was conducted by Dr. Steven A. Martin and fosters an awareness and understanding of the Phuket and the region.

Interview with Robert Habibi | English Teacher | PSU Phuket Campus

Interview with Anna Nilsson | Thai-Swedish Student | Phuket, Thailand | Steven Martin

Representing Education Abroad Asia, Dr. Steven A. Martin interviews Anna Nilsson, Thai-Swedish student at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus. The video looks at the student who returns to the island after ten years abroad. Anna reflects her perspective on the experience of studying in Phuket, Thailand, and shares her feelings on the importance of study abroad, learning, and appreciating and respecting local culture.

Interview with Anna Nilsson | International student | PSU Phuket Campus

Interview with Kay Kay Zanonh | American Student | Phuket, Thailand | Steven Martin

Dr. Steven A. Martin interviews American education abroad student Kay Kay Zanonh, who has been studying at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket. Kay Kay shares her personal experience on the cost and quality of studying in Phuket compared with her home and friends in the United States. The film is intended for Education Abroad Asia students and academic purposes, fostering international education awareness.

Interview with Kay Kay Zanonh | American student | PSU Phuket Campus

Interview with Prof. Wilhelm G. Solheim II | Clip 1 | 9:29 | Steven A. Martin | David Blundell | University Filmworks

Professor Dr. Wilhelm Solheim II was instrumental in developing the Archaeological Studies Program at University of the Philippines, Diliman (UPD) campus. Interviews took place at his UPD apartment on the morning of 9 April, and the evening of 22 April, 2006. Wilhelm shares his personal experience in archaeology, years of work in Southeast Asia, and his views on the cultural history of Austronesian-speaking peoples. Prof. Solheim died on July 25, 2014, at the age of 89. It was an honor to have met him and I hope viewers can appreciate his humanity in these short interviews. To learn more about Austronesian prehistory and archaeology in the Philippines, visit my online article: Chasing Jade – Archaeology and the Batanes Islands Cultural Atlas.

Part 1 | 9:29 | Prof. Wilhelm G. Solheim II Interview | Dr. Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

Interview with Prof. Peter Bellwood 2006 Personal Interview | Remastered | 5:53 | Steven A. Martin | Batanes Islands, Philippines | University Filmworks

Peter Bellwood, renowned archaeologist and scholar of Austronesian Studies, shares his personal and professional background, including his personal story of attending Cambridge University, lecturing in New Zealand. The interview took place at the Bosco Pier, Batanes Islands, Philippines, and was conducted by Steven Martin and David Blundell. Peter discusses the "Out of Taiwan" expansion of Austronesian-speaking peoples, suggesting research in linguistics, archaeology, and human genetics.

Prof. Peter Bellwood 2006 | Remastered | 5:53 | Dr. Steven A. Martin | Batanes Islands | University Filmworks

From Peter we learn about the unique history and archaeological evidence of the Batanes Islands, Philippines. Peter Bellwood is an accomplished professor of archaeology at the School of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, he is a leading specialist in Southeast Asian and Pacific prehistory.

For more on this story, including how I met and came to interview Peter in Batanes, visit my Learning Adventures page Chasing Jade: Archaeology and the Batanes Islands Cultural Atlas. To learn more about Austronesian Taiwan, visit my personal Taiwan Studies page or watch the Taiwan Video Playlist on YouTube.

Course Portraits

Course Portraits

COURSE PORTRAITS ® | CINEMATIC COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Course Portrait is a template-based virtual course description innovated by Steven A. Martin and Edward E. Vaughan at University Filmworks, which provide cinematic, colorful and resourceful ways to present, promote and increase interest in a given university course.

As educational systems strive to keep up with digital transformations in media and technology, particularly the increased reliance on smart phones, Course Portrait videos visually communicating important information to students and stimulate intellectual curiosity. Visit University Filmworks on YouTube.

Introduction to Indonesian Music and Dance | Southeast Asian Civilization | Dr. Steven Martin

This class music video features students from the Thai and ASEAN Studies program at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) learning contemporary Indonesian dance (Kalau Bulan Bisa Ngomong by Doel Sumbang and Nini Carlina) and traditional Balinese Pendet from the Mekar Bhuana School of Balinese Music and Dance. As part of our Southeast Asian Civilization course, we invited Imam Wahyudi Karimullah and his wife, Sari Kurnia Rahmawati, from University of Islam Malang (Unisma), Indonesia, as guest lecturers. Their visit was made possible in part by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Indonesia, Scheme Academic Exchange Mobility Program (SAME).

Introduction to Indonesian Music and Dance | Southeast Asian Civilization

Burmese Thanaka Culture | Southeast Asian Civilization | Dr. Steven Martin

THANAKA features students in my Southeast Asian Civilization course, which is part of the Thai and ASEAN Studies Program at the Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand, and guest lecturer Dr. Aye Nu Khai, from the Myanmar Language Dept, Dagon University, Myanmar. Students learn how to make and use the herbal cream of that name, made from the wood of indigenous trees, which Myanmar women apply to their faces to prevent damage from the tropical sun.

Burmese Thanaka Culture | Southeast Asian Civilization

Cooking, the Art of Thai Cuisine | Certificate in Culinary Arts | Dr. Steven Martin

Cooking, the art of Thai cuisine, features international students at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), in an elective course earning certificates in Thai cultural arts and cuisine during their semester study abroad program. Ajarn Pathummalai Pattaro, with the PSU Lodge, shares her experience in preparing well-known Thai meals, such as pad Thai with shrimp and massaman curry with chicken. The video was filmed in the new training facility at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism for Education Abroad Asia.

Cooking, the Art of Thai Cuisine | Certificate in Culinary Arts

A Day In the Life of Our School | School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) | Dr. Steven Martin

Produced by Steven A. Martin, and directed by Edward E. Vaughan in conjunction with University Filmworks, A Day in the Life of Our School, features the brilliant faces of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s interconnected School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and Hotel ICON. We chose the timeless music of 18th century German composer Johann Sebastian Bach to represent harmonic form and excellence, and to compliment the accomplished learners and educators at this globally acclaimed institution. Visit our SHTM Playlist on YouTube.

A Day In the Life of Our School | School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM)

Education Media

Education Media

EDUCATION MEDIA

Realizing the need to internationalize and digitally transform educational systems, I developed University Filmworks with the support of Edward E. Vaughan to provide film and production services and opportunities to schools, colleges and universities.

In order to appeal to students globally, our innovations in video and cinematic techniques include new production styles aimed at stimulating imagination, intellectual curiosity, and interest in timely education opportunities.

University Filmworks ® | Education Video Production | Click to our YouTube Channel...

edX | MOOC | Hospitality and Tourism China | Global Perspective | Dr. Steven Martin | University Filmworks

Education Abroad Asia presents this original trailer for The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Hotel and Tourism Management’s MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) – Hospitality and Tourism in China: A Global Perspective. The course is recommended for students and industry professionals who deal with guests from China or study China’s tourism market.

edX | MOOC | Hospitality and Tourism China | Global Perspective

This MOOC course is free and accessible through the edX non-profit online learning platform founded by Harvard University and MIT. For more information, please contact SHTM. The video was directed by Edward E. Vaughan.

edX | MOOC | International Hospitality Management | Micromasters Program | Dr. Steven Martin | University Filmworks

In association with Education Abroad Asia, this video was produced for the International Hospitality Management MicroMasters Program at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). The program consists of four MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) courses aimed at management skills for hospitality and tourism students and professional around the world.

edX | MOOC | International Hospitality Management | Micromasters Program

The courses are accessible through the edX non-profit online learning platform founded by Harvard University and MIT. For more information on this MOOC series, please visit the SHTM Media Page. The video was directed by Edward E. Vaughan.

Phuket Interns | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | 2:23 | University Filmworks | School of Hotel and Tourism Management | SHTM Phuket, Thailand Internship Program

Phuket Interns introduces three SHTM students in Phuket, Thailand, gaining personal and practical experience in their chosen profession, hospitality and tourism. We learn that the internship is not only fun and exciting, but provides a strong career boost and allows the students to reach their full potential. The video presents the appeal of the school’s internship programs and the potential they unleash, including diverse opportunities for international exposure.

Phuket Interns | SHTM | 2:23 | University Filmworks

Hong Kong Education Venue | 1:47 | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | University Filmworks

University Filmworks and Education Abroad Asia present this high-impact video illuminating Hong Kong’s image as a vibrant international city where “East Meets West” and where the best of both worlds meet. The video introduces The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and the state-of-the-art Hotel ICON, the School’s pioneering research and teaching hotel.

Hong Kong Education Venue | 1:47 | University Filmworks | SHTM

What Makes a University Great? | University Filmworks | 3:01 | News Report | Dr. Steven Martin

In University Filmworks' What Makes a University Great, journalist Steven Martin examines the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and Hotel ICON complex. He discovers a little universe where students, teachers and industry professionals come together with outstanding synergy. Dr. Martin uncovers a story of high-quality educators and leadership with the Dean of School, Prof. Kaye Chon, at the top of his game. The video was directed by Edward E. Vaughan.

What Makes a University Great? | 3:01 | University Filmworks News Report

SHTM | A Day in the Life of Our School | 2:07 | Faculty Portrait Video | Dr. Steven Martin | University Filmworks

Produced by Steven A. Martin and directed by Edward E. Vaughan in conjunction with University Filmworks, a day in the life of our school, features the brilliant faces of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s interconnected School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and Hotel ICON. We chose the timeless music of 18th century German composer Johann Sebastian Bach to represent harmonic form and excellence, and to compliment the accomplished learners and educators at this globally acclaimed institution.

SHTM | A Day in the Life of Our School | 2:08 | Faculty Portrait Music Video

Future leaders | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | 2:01 | University Filmworks

In Future leaders, we hear what students, alumni and industry professionals have to say about The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). Through interviews conducted by journalist Dr. Steven Martin with these outstanding individuals, we learn that SHTM forms an important student-centered network in the global hospitality and tourism industry.Interviews were conducted by Dr. Steven A. Martin under the direction of Edward E. Vaughan.

Future leaders | Off-camera Interviews by Steven Martin | 2:01 | University Filmworks

Leading the Way | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | 2:38 | University Filmworks

A university is only as great as the people who comprise it. In Leading the way, we meet executive staff and outstanding students close-up to gain heart-felt insight to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). Candid answers are received based on a key question posed during personal interviews: “Why is this school leading the way in hospitality and tourism education and research.” Interviews were conducted by Dr. Steven A. Martin under the direction of Edward E. Vaughan.

Leading the Way | Off-camera Interviews by Steven Martin | 2:38 | University Filmworks

Leading Hospitality and Tourism | SHTM | 8:43 | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | University Filmworks

A compilation of four videos, Leading hospitality and tourism includes brand, testimonial, news and music videos. It brings to light the history and character of SHTM, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management and Hotel ICON, an upscale hotel developed at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Produced by Steven A. Martin and directed by Edward E. Vaughan.

Leading Hospitality and Tourism | SHTM | 8:43 | University Filmworks

Joint Conference Teaser | 1:05 | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | 2019 APacCHRIE & EuroCHRIE | University Filmworks

University Filmworks and Education Abroad Asia present this high-impact video to promote the 2019 Joint Conference theme: “East Meets West in Hospitality and Tourism Education”, and to illuminate Hong Kong’s image as a vibrant international city where “East Meets West” and where the best of both worlds meet. The video introduces The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), highlighting the Joint Conference and the state-of-the-art Hotel ICON, the School’s pioneering research and teaching hotel.

Joint Conference Teaser | 2019 APacCHRIE & EuroCHRIE | 1:05 | University Filmworks

2019 APacCHRIE & EuroCHRIE Joint Conference | 4:33 | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions |  University Filmworks

University Filmworks and Education Abroad Asia present this high-impact video to promote the 2019 Joint Conference theme: “East Meets West in Hospitality and Tourism Education”, and to illuminate Hong Kong’s image as a vibrant international city where “East Meets West” and where the best of both worlds meet. The video introduces The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), highlighting the Joint Conference and the state-of-the-art Hotel ICON, the School’s pioneering research and teaching hotel.

2019 APacCHRIE & EuroCHRIE Joint Conference | 4:33 | University Filmworks

Ethnographic Film

Ethnographic Film

Ethnographic film and Bunun oral history | Nabu Istanda (left) and his uncle (right) | Click to learn more...

ETHNOGRAPHIC FILM AND BUNUN ORAL HISTORY IN SOUTHERN TAIWAN

In 2003, I met David Blundell, founding anthropologist for the International Master's Program in Taiwan Studies (currently Asia-Pacific Studies) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) in Taiwan. David was teaching a course called Culture and Ethnic Structure of Taiwan, and ethnographic filmmaking was one of the topics in the class. Although I had very little experience in this area, I tagged along with David to learn more.

 

 

I was a first-time graduate student, and was looking for an adventurous and rewarding research topic. Through David and senior students at the university, I was introduced to Filmmaker Tommie Williamson (1955-2017) (see my Taiwan Studies page) and Nabu Istanda with the Bunun Cultural and Educational Foundation (Bunun Village) in Taitung, southern Taiwan.

Nabu encouraged me to come to the Bunun Village and meet his family who were from the Bunun tribe, an indigenous ethnolinguistic group who had resisted Japanese subjugation in the 1920s and 30s and taken refuge in a remote area of the high mountains named Laipunuk (Chinese Nei Ben Lu 內本鹿).

Nabu Istanda at home in the mountains of Laipunuk | Nei Ben Lu 內本鹿

Nabu explained that the Bunun elders in their village, now 70 to 90 years old, were being lost to old age, and with them, their stories of traditional life, beliefs, language, trade, values, and their relationships with one-another, other indigenous tribes, the Chinese, and the Japanese, were being lost forever.

Nabu was asking for rescue ethnography.

Without hesitation, I agreed to help.

The next four years of my life alternated between the classroom in Taipei and the remote mountains of southern Taiwan. I spent most of my life savings on travel, camera gear and mountaineering equipment.

I have now documented this story and research into several pages and videos on this website. If you're inspired to learn more, please review this page and other pages and videos by following links below.

Cornerstone webpages, photos, and videos

In Our Hearts and Minds | Project backstory | 2004

ETHNOGRAPHIC FILM AND RESEARCH | BUNUN ORAL HISTORY

Memories of a Culture, the Istanda Family of Laipunuk 內本鹿 

Filmed primarily at the Bunun Cultural and Educational Foundation (Bunun Village), Taoyuan Village, Yenping Township, Taiwan.

The sample footage provided here includes ethnographic narratives from four siblings, namely two brothers, Biung and Nabu, and two sisters, Ibu and Langus. Each informant recounts their personal experience in the high mountains of southern Taiwan, including historical and cultural events of their forced relocation to the lowland areas surrounding Taitung.

This research is the original work of Tommie Williamson, Nabu Istanda, and Steven Martin, and is intended for academic and cultural purposes. If you would like to use a video for research, gain access to the complete archival footage, or collaborate on a project, please contact me through this website and I will be happy to help.

Tama Biung Istanda | Oral History | Bunun | Laipunuk 內本鹿 | Taiwan | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

This video, one of 15 clips, is an oral history audio/visual recording of Tama Biung Istanda (1920-2007), recounting his life experience in the mountains of Laipunuk 內本鹿 , southern Taiwan. The interview was conducted in the Isbukun dialect of the Bunun language by his nephew Nabu. Laipunuk was among the last frontier areas of Taiwan to be annexed into Imperial Japan, and the informant tells of his childhood experiences, cultural traditions, and arrival of Japanese police who forced his family to move.

Accepting that the Japanese were a "Great and powerful tribe", Biung joined the Tagasako Volunteers, a group of Taiwan aborigine soldiers. His on-camera story includes events during WWII and his survival in the jungles of Papua New Guinea.

Tama Biung Istanda 1920-2007 | Ethnohistorical Research | Bunun of Laipunuk, Taiwan | Steven Martin | University Filmworks

Sections of this ethnography series have been published in SAGE Ethnography and Religion, law and state: Cultural re-invigoration in the new age as referenced below.

Nabu (Uncle) Istanda 1929-2005 | Oral History | Bunun | Laipunuk | 內本鹿 | Taiwan | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

This video, one of three clips, is an oral history audio/visual recording of Nabu "Uncle" Istanda, recounting his life experience in the mountains of Laipunuk 內本鹿 (Nei Ben Lu), southern Taiwan. The interview was conducted in the Isbukun dialect of the Bunun language his nephew Nabu. Laipunuk was among the last frontier areas of Taiwan to be annexed into Imperial Japan. The informant tells of his youth and cultural experiences, the arrival of Japanese police, and his family's forced relocation to the Talunas area (Taidong County).

Sections of this ethnography series have been published in Religion, law and state: Cultural re-invigoration in the new age as referenced below.

Nabu (Uncle) Istanda 1929-2005 | Ethnohistorical Research | Bunun of Laipunuk, Taiwan | Steven Martin | University Filmworks

Langus Istanda | Oral History | Bunun | Laipunuk | 內本鹿 | Taiwan | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

This video, one of five clips, is an oral history audio/visual recording of Langus Istanda (1926-2015) recounting her life experience in the mountains of Laipunuk 內本鹿 , southern Taiwan. The interview was conducted in the Isbukun dialect of the Bunun language by her son Nabu. Laipunuk was among the last frontier areas of Taiwan to be annexed into Imperial Japan. The informant tells of her childhood experiences, cultural traditions, and arrival of Japanese police who forced her family to move.

An English-language translation of this video has been published in the International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies (IJAPS) as referenced below.

Langus Istanda 1926-2015 | Ethnohistorical Research | Bunun of Laipunuk, Taiwan | Steven Martin | University Filmworks

Ibu Istanda | Oral History | Bunun | Laipunuk | 內本鹿 | Taiwan | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

This video is an oral history audio/visual recording of Ibu Istanda who was in her mid-80s at the time of filming. On-camera support for the interview was provided by her younger sister, Langus. The first of two short interviews of Ibu "Auntie" Istanda before her passing, she tells of the hardships experienced in her youth. As with other family informants in this series, Ibu recounts her life experience in the mountains of Laipunuk 內本鹿 , southern Taiwan. The interview was conducted in the Isbukun dialect of the Bunun language by her son Nabu and her sister Langus.

Ibu Istanda | Ethnohistorical Research | Bunun of Laipunuk, Taiwan | Steven Martin | University Filmworks

AUDIO-VISUAL RECORDINGS FROM BUNUN INFORMANTS WITH EXPERIENCE IN LAIPUNUK

Zu Mei Lin (Bunun name Shiwa) | Ethnography | Bunun | Laipunuk | 內本鹿 | Taiwan | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

This video is an audio-visual recording of Shiwa (Chinese name Zhu Mei Lin). The interview focuses around the informant's understanding of her Hakka Chinese grandfather's marriage to Bunun and their relocation to Laipunuk from Lakuli, a Japanese trading station across the Central Range, west of Laipunuk. Shiwa's father, of Hakka Chinese and Bunun mixed blood, lived in Laipunuk and made and traded guns and gunpowder in the villages of Takivahlas, Halipusun, and Mamahav. Shiwa explains her family grew corn, millet, pumpkin, sweet potato, taro and tobacco.

Lin Zu Mei (Shiwa) | Ethnohistorical Research | Bunun of Laipunuk, Taiwan | Steven Martin | University Filmworks

The interview was conducted in the Isbukun dialect of the Bunun language by Nabu Istanda. An English transcript of this video is available upon request and interview content is appears in the publications listed below.

Gu Song Shan | Ethnography | Bunun | Laipunuk | 內本鹿 | Taiwan | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

This video is an audio-visual recording of Bunun Gu Song Shan. On-camera support for the interview was provided by Langus Istanda. The first of two interviews, his talks about his life experience, villages and places in the mountains of Laipunuk 內本鹿 , southern Taiwan. The interview was conducted in the Isbukun dialect of the Bunun language by Nabu Istanda.

Gu Song Shan | Ethnohistorical Research | Bunun of Laipunuk, Taiwan | Steven Martin | University Filmworks

Gu Yu Chun Lan | Ethnography | Bunun | Laipunuk | 內本鹿 | Taiwan | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

This video is an audio-visual recording of Bunun Gu Yu Chun Lan. On-camera support for the interview was provided by her friend, Langus Istanda. The second of two interviews, she answers questions about Haisul, the notorious Bunun rebel and the events leading to the Laipunuk Incident and forced removal of the Bunun from Laipunuk by the Japanese field police. As with other family informants in this series, she recounts her life experience in the mountains of Laipunuk 內本鹿 , southern Taiwan. The interview was conducted in the Isbukun dialect of the Bunun language by Nabu Istanda.

Gu Yu Chun Lan | Ethnohistorical Research | Bunun of Laipunuk, Taiwan | Steven Martin | University Filmworks

Yu Xing Yo (Bunun name Biung) | Ethnography | Bunun | Laipunuk | 內本鹿 | Taiwan | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

This video is an audio-visual recording of Bunun Yu Xing Yo. On-camera support for the interview was provided by Langus Istanda. The first of two interviews, his talks about his life experience, including the village of Takivahlas, where the Istanda family first built their home in the mountains of Laipunuk 內本鹿 , southern Taiwan.

The interview was conducted at the Bunun Village (Bunun Buloa 布農部落) in the Isbukun dialect of the Bunun language by Nabu Istanda.

Yu Xing Yo (Biung) | Ethnohistorical Research | Bunun of Laipunuk, Taiwan | Steven Martin | University Filmworks

Bia Shirakimura 白木村 | Ethnography | Paiwan | Bia Culture 白聖賀 | Taiwan | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

This video is an audio-visual recording of Bia Shirakimura. On-camera support for the interview was provided by his Bunun wife, Langus Istanda. One of four clips in which Bia talks about his life experiences, including the Paiwan village of Bia (白聖賀 Bia Culture), growing up in Tubabalu (now called Tudan) South of Taidong City, and joining the Japanese military as a Takasago Volunteer. He tells us about meeting and marrying his Laipunuk Bunun wife, Langus Istanda, in Bashkal, near today’s Bunun Buloa, and the issues he faced from marrying out of his culture. The interview was mainly conducted in Japanese by Nabu Istanda.

Bia Shirakimura 白木村 | Ethnohistorical Research | Paiwan | Steven Martin | University Filmworks

ETHNOMUSICOLOGY AND THE STAGE AT BUNUN VILLAGE

Indigenous Music of Taiwan | Part 1 | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

The stage at the Bunun Cultural and Educational Foundation in Taidong, Taiwan, allowed an opportunity to record the musical traditions of the Bunun and other indigenous groups. The majority of the participants' families were originally from Laipunuk. Though personal interviews with the participants in this video, English-language synopses were developed (see bottom of the Ethnographic Research page).

As European powers contacted and influenced ethnolinguistic Austronesian-speaking peoples in Southeast Asia, vocal folk songs were particularly influenced by the introduction of new musical instruments. In contrast, the Bunun held on to acappella traditions, and vocal music retained rich and complicated in style and content. The acappella styles featured here range from the most basic to some of the the most complicated of all modern vocal music. With songs for nearly every occasion of life, content includes those for religious ceremonies, worship, nature, work and recreation.

Indigenous Music of Taiwan | Part 1 | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

Please visit my Ethnographic Research page (bottom of page) to learn more.

THE ETHNOGRAPHIC MOMENT | MUSIC AND SOLIDARITY IN TAIWAN

Remastered from "Nikar's Hot Springs Moment"

Filmed at the Hong Ye Hot Springs, Taitung County, Taiwan, three friends from different ethnolinguistic backgrounds meet coincidentally.

  • Nikar/ female/ granddaughter of an Amis shaman and singer.
  • Hawai/ male/ Puyuma/ guitarist
  • Asui/ male/ Kavalan/ wood carver

This recording was unplanned and the artists’ cultural expressions are spontaneous, songs blending and changing tempos and lyrics as each person interjects their own feeling and cultural background when singing their part.

The blending of aboriginal music in this film exemplifies the contemporary trend of solidarity among Taiwan’s indigenous cultures. For example, Amis melody is usually one step faster than Puyuma, and individuals must adjust to each other, while Japanese and Chinese influences on indigenous music reflect the events of last century.

Notes on the content of the video based on personal interviews with the participants. Six pieces of music.

  1. Amis
  2. Amis/ same as song 1 but with Puyuma melody.
  3. Puyuma/ melody from Nanwan area near Taidong/may be the type of song and feeling when meeting a friend from your home town.
  4. Amis/ new melody with Japanese influences.
  5. Amis/ Puyuma/ from Katiputa (Puyuma village)/ new creation/ melody may come from Ziben Hotsprings area (on the road to Kaohsiung from Taitung)/ an Amis/ Puyuma composition with some Chinese language/many aboriginals sing this song today/words indicate solidarity/we are all family.
  6. Amis/ Puyuma/ song used to bring the spirit of friends together/usually sung a-cappella style/ it has the sense of crying out for recognition.

The Ethnographic Moment | Music and Solidarity in Taiwan | Steven A. Martin | University Filmworks

Thank you for visiting my Ethnographic Film page.

I hope you enjoy the videos and the information in the links provided. If you feel motivated to learn more about my experience in ethnographic researchTaiwan Studies, or would like to arrange for me to give a public presentation, please let me know – I’d love to hear from you.

–Steven Martin