Digital Cultural Preservation of the Mariana Islands Through Collaborative Storytelling By Sylvia C. Frain Auckland University of Technology sylviafrain@gmail.com and Jim Marbrook Auckland University of Technology jim.marbrook@aut.ac.nz Abstract: As researchers and filmmakers, we strive for digital cultural preservation through the combination of Oceanic knowledge(s) and new technologies. Our aim is to collaboratively develop digital storytelling methods and document moving images of culture and audio recordings of oral histories of the Marianas Archipelago. Conceptualized as a form of digital participatory action research, our approach includes the communities’ input and vision at every stage to record the forms of knowledge(s) which they deem important for future generations. Our contribution is through technical knowledge and filmmaking expertise combined with access to professional filming equipment and informs our new media research. Visual and audio data collection may include multigenerational interviews, aerial perspectives, drone footage, as well as underwater shots. The intended outcome is to create a Marianas methodology of cultural preservation for digital dissemination and accessible archives across new media platforms.
Presentation slides on following page.