Concept Trailer
Concept Trailer
About the film
Join the incredible journey through our documentary film “Sakman: The Legend of The Flying Canoe” where we tell the story of the Flying Proa or "Sakman" canoe. For thousands of years, the indigenous people of the Marianas, the CHamorus, designed and sailed this legendary vessel, earning worldwide recognition.
However, after enduring centuries of colonization and cultural devastation, the knowledge of building and sailing the Sakman was nearly lost forever. But now, a new chapter unfolds. Join us as we capture the awe-inspiring and sometimes unbelievable tales of the Sakman's revival.
Our documentary follows the legend of the Sakman and the revival of traditional seafaring and navigation in the Marianas. We’ll connect with organizations and individuals on-island and off to document the incredible stories of their dedication to recreating and restoring the knowledge of the Sakman to their people.
Entirely written, produced, directed and starring Indigenous CHamorus, prepare as we take you on a cinematic adventure through breathtaking landscapes, both on land and at sea. We are committed to capturing the essence and beauty of the Sakman's story and the beauty of the Marianas with cinematography that will leave you in awe.
This film is about more than a canoe, it's an empowering story of a people rediscovering their ancestral seafaring identities. It's about reconnecting with the brilliance and resourcefulness of their ancestors and reclaiming their cultural narratives. Join us on this voyage!
Production Timeline
Production Timeline
SUMMARY:
April - July : Research & Development
September 5 - 21: Research and Development Shoot in Guam & Saipan (Completed)
Jan - Feb 2024: Pre-Production for Phase 1 Principal Photography
June 2024: Principal Photography Shoot Leg 1 in Hawaii
July 2024: Principal Photography Shoot Leg 2 in Guam & Saipan
August 2024: Principal Shoot Leg 3 in Mainland USA
August - TBD: Post Production
UPDATE 10/1/2023:
After receiving generous support, we completed 13 days of research and development filming in the Marianas. We were able to conduct 29 interviews over Guam and Saipan. We’re back and updating our concept trailer as well as getting ready for the next phase of filming early 2024.
UPDATE 9/13/2023:
The Sakman Doc is featured in the Marianas Variety: Click here to read the article
UPDATE 8/7/2023:
Our Director/Producer Beau Aguon making the news with KUAM! Read the article here: https://www.kuam.com/story/49358287/filmmaker-reconnecting-to-roots-with-sakman-film-project and see interview video —>
Donate & Support
Donate & Support
WE NEED YOU TO TELL THIS STORY! 100% of donations go directly to support this production.
*For donations of $1,000 or more, we’ve partnered with Good for Others Foundation, a 501c3 as our fiscal sponsor via Paypal. All donations are tax-deductible. Please get in touch with us to make this donation.
Our partners & Friends
Meet the Crew
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Beau Aguon
Filmmaker / Producer & Director
Beau Aguon is an Indigenous CHamoru filmmaker from Southern California. An award winning writer and storyteller, his mission is to share stories of Indigenous communities rediscovering their history and reclaiming their beauty, power, and cultural narratives.
He’s worked with Nat Geo, The Obama Whitehouse, The NFL, and numerous other brands and non-profits. His most recent film “Walking Forward in Liberation”, connected him to his Indigenous friends, The Oglala Lakota and efforts to improve the health, culture, and environment of their communities through the healing and strengthening of cultural identity.
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Alexander Mok
Co-Producer
Alexander Mok is a Berlin-based emerging Documentary Producer with roots in California. A proud queer and transmasculine person of CHamoru and Chinese heritage, he is passionate about telling stories that explore healing intergenerational trauma - especially within the intersection of BIPOC and queer narratives.
He previously worked on Hulu’s Documentary and Unscripted Series team, supporting projects including GLAAD-Award Winning and Emmy-Nominated Changing the Game, SXSW 2022 Official Selection Look At Me: XXXTentacion, and The Kardashians. Prior, he worked with Sundance, Outfest, AFI and Tribeca film festivals, and in physical production on feature films and TV series. He is a graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.
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Chris Guerrero
Co-Producer
Combining his Indigenous CHamoru heritage, passion for cultural revitalization, and entrepreneurial spirit, Chris is a dynamic force in the world of documentary filmmaking. Through his work as a co-producer, he is dedicated to shedding light on untold narratives, driving positive change, and helping communities reclaim their cultural heritage.
He’s worked with Vouri, Vivobarefoot, and Sklz to name a few and is the founder of Proa Athletics.
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Jenny Farhat
Co-Producer / Art Director
Jenny Farhat is a Palestinian American filmmaker passionate about stories about human rights, systemic inequality, and cultural preservation.
She’s worked with MTV, Unicef, The Matador Network, and most recently on a film entitled “We Do Not Live Here” about the Migrant Carvan in Tijuana, Mexico.
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Olivia Quintanilla
Associate Producer / Researcher
Olivia’s family is Indigenous to Guam and the Mariana Islands, and she’s used her academic opportunities as a CHamoru scholar to research the unique histories and futures of Pacific Island life. As a cultural practitioner and educator, she uses the arts and humanities to spark critical dialogue, community building and positive change. She’s currently a professor with the Ethnic Studies Department at MiraCosta College and a 2023 City of San Diego Cultural Practitioner grantee.
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Shane Aguon
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Cotch Diaz
