Background
Who we are?
Rahe-Wanitanama is more than just a storytelling studio - we are the embodiment of an aspirational vision inspired by the heart of Dolphin Head Forest Reserve. Our community partnerships grant us a uniquely powerful position to tell inspiring and impactful stories and experiences that leave a lasting impression on our clients’ audiences. We actively collaborate both locally and internationally to expand our reach and amplify the impact of our initiatives.
What we do?
Our core mission revolves around a groundbreaking ecosystem-centric framework, which lies at the heart of everything we do. By utilizing nature as a powerful tool and source of inspiration, our work aims to establish a profound connection with the world around us. This innovative framework serves as the foundation for our projects. Throughout our creative journey, we remain dedicated to adaptive and proactive environmental management, and recognize the crucial role of collaboration with diverse industry practitioners in effecting lasting positive change.
Strategy and Vision
Vision Statement
Our vision is driven by a commitment to grounded relationality, where every aspect of our work is contextualized and deeply connected to land and its Indigenous heritage.
Mission Statement
While we produce compelling experiences, our broader mission encompasses the pursuit of healing and the cultivation of community initiatives that thrive within our ecosystem-centric framework. We aim to collaborate with our local community and external businesses and organizations to forge a stronger nation and convey a powerful message of environmental and cultural resilience.
Value Statement
Our values are firmly anchored in the pillars of Indigenous aesthetics: beauty, utility, and ethics. Through the cultural lens of the Taíno people, we explore the profound connections between humans and nature, drawing inspiration from the intricate interplay between the two.
Growth Strategy
Central to our growth strategy is the development of a diverse slate of projects, each allowing us to consistently produce and release captivating content for audiences across various platforms. Our slate includes projects spanning different lengths, with one at 5 minutes, another at 20 minutes, and 60 minutes. We remain committed to the continuous creation and delivery of inspiring narratives that leave a lasting impact on our viewers.
Products and Services
At our studio, we offer a range of captivating products and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients and audiences. Explore our offerings below:
Industrial: Our Industrial productions are designed to be concise and impactful, clocking in under 5 minutes. These urgent and dynamic creations serve as powerful tools to support our communities, conveying essential messages and driving social change. Through our Industrial offerings, we harness the strength of storytelling to address pressing issues and foster a sense of unity and action.
Industrial-Artisanal: The Industrial-Artisanal category bridges the gap between brevity and accessibility, with a duration ranging from 5 to 20 minutes. These productions retain the sense of urgency found in our Industrial offerings while catering to a wider range of clients. We craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, blending artistic expression with pragmatic storytelling techniques. Our Industrial-Artisanal works provide thought-provoking experiences that captivate viewers while delivering impactful messages.
Artisanal: For those seeking a deeper and more immersive storytelling experience, our Artisanal productions exceed 60 minutes in length. These works represent the pinnacle of our creative expression, allowing us to delve into intricate narratives and explore the depths of human emotions. Through meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, we create cinematic journeys that transport viewers to new realms and leave a lasting impression. Our Artisanal productions are a testament to the power of long-form storytelling and its ability to inspire, provoke, and engage.
No matter the duration or style, our productions are crafted with passion, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. We leverage our expertise in transformative storytelling to create content that sparks conversations, evokes emotions, and makes a meaningful impact. Partner with us and experience the power of our products and services in bringing your vision to life.
Management and Ownership
At our studio, we take pride in the expertise we have cultivated through a combination of specialized training, collaborative partnerships, and a deep commitment to amplifying diverse voices. Our expertise is the result of a relentless pursuit of excellence, driven by our passion for transformative storytelling and sustainable practices.
Rahe-Wanitanama — Founder
Rahe-Wanitanama (Indigenous Caribbean / Taíno) is a storyteller, craftsperson and tradesperson based in Jamaica. Affiliation: Dolphin Head Forest Reserve via Askenish, Jamaica. Their goal is to participate in world-building dialogues to help shape narrative identities that promote eudaemonia in diverse community contexts. Shown at Tribeca Film Center, Smithsonian, Anthology Film Archives, DCTV, UCLA Film & Television Archive, Vision Maker Media’s Producers Summit, University of Toronto and imagineNATIVE. Recent activity includes a commission by Oolite Arts and Miami Film Festival; selection for Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs’ Miami Individual Artists (MIA) Program, Native American Media Alliance/LA Skins Film Festival Unscripted Fellowship, NPR’s Next Gen Radio Indigenous Fellowship, NBCU Academy 2023’s Leadership Clinic at NAHJ, and a Third Horizon Forward Fellowship. Featured in Indian Country Today, Deadline, Folklife Magazine, TODAY, B&H Explora, and New Orleans Film Society Journal.