META
SARMIENTO
MAILA HÅLOM
Our documentary, Maila Hålom, is in production. The film follows Shane Root, an emerging Indigenous leader who teaches us the ways of traditional net-fishing along the coast of Guam. Maila Hålom is the CHamoru phrase for “come in”, and we invite audiences to learn not only the ways of the fisherman, but how it connects us with the spirit of the sea, the land, and community. This story focuses on Shane and his family, but also serves as a larger reflection of Indigenous heritage and the battle for cultural preservation.
Our project diary captures behind the scenes during the first phase of shooting. The film will continue its production into the Fall of 2026.
MEET THE TEAM
Meta Sarmiento, Co Director - Raised in Dededo, Meta has been doing community storytelling work since his teens, making films and poetry that explores identity, culture, and belonging for nearly 20 years.
Joie Ha, Co Director - As the child of refugees, Joie Ha has been an organizer for marginalized communities for over 15 years. She has a Masters in Development Practice and is currently pursuing a DPhil in Anthropology at Oxford.
Shane Root, Subject & Cultural Knowledge Bearer - Shane learned the ways of the peskadot from his grandfather and all the other fishermen he’s crossed paths with on his journey.
Brian Muna, Director of Photography - Brian Muna is a Guam native with a decade in the film industry. Brian’s latest film “CHamoru: A Lost Language” was funded by a PBS Firelight Film Media grant and recently received the Best Short Film Award at the Hawaii Film Festival.
