SAMOA - Sacred Center

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.

Music sourced from Musicbed, get a month free here! - http://share.mscbd.fm/benmikha

Additional track from HP Boyz - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCij34gNp_TPs0DQcm6WF8ig

My Cinematic travel film LUTs and Presets - https://benmikha.com/products/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/benmikha/

Huge shout out to Carlin Leota for coming along on this trip and his parents for providing transport and accom! https://www.instagram.com/carlinleota/

Also thank you to Samson 'Rambo' Vaotuua for helping with the delivery of the Voice over and my Mum for translating -
https://www.instagram.com/samson_rambo/

Samantha Veitch for being the ultimate support person behind the scenes - https://www.instagram.com/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 - [email protected]