‘Tradewinds:’ A celebration of music, CHamoru heritage and storytelling

By Ron Rocky Coloma

Mighty Island, a collective of Guam-based filmmakers, has made its mark on the international stage. Their documentary, “Tradewinds,” recently won “Best Documentary” at the Pacific Island Film Festival in New York City.

Founded in 2016, the group aims to create authentic and cinematic films from the Marianas. Its team includes director and editor Kyle Perron, cinematographer and colorist Nico Serneo, production manager Mariana Gabriel, producer Nia Serneo, sound recorder Zane Reyes and grip Joseph Silva.

“Our connection to our island is everything,” Perron said. “It fuels our inspiration as well as our passion in telling stories of the island.”

This deep bond with Guam drives their filmmaking, shaping narratives that highlight the island’s culture and heritage.

For the team, the recognition of “Tradewinds” is not just a professional milestone but a heartfelt acknowledgment of their mission.

“It’s a wonderful feeling. The talent on Guam in multiple arts is plentiful, and it’s great that our profile as one of the best on the island is being recognized,” Perron said.

Winning “Best Documentary” is more than an accolade—it’s a celebration of storytelling’s power and the deep, universal connection to CHamoru culture.

“We just wanted to pay homage to a CHamoru music legend whose story deserves to be told,” Perron said. “To find out so many people from all over the world were moved and related to a short documentary on a CHamoru jazz artist is a testament to the power of storytelling and the connective fibers of the human spirit.”

The team hopes the recognition will inspire other local artists to share their stories. “There are many stories that have yet to be told about the Marianas. We hope this inspires other local artists to put their work out there for all to see.”

“Tradewinds” centers on Patrick Palomo, a CHamoru jazz artist whose blending of CHamoru lyrics with jazz melodies has made a lasting impact on Guam’s music scene.

“Uncle Pat has been known and respected on the island for a very long time,” Perron said. “We always wanted to present his story in a more cinematic light.”

The project was initiated through a Short Film Fund Grant from Pacific Islanders in Communications, allowing the team to collaborate with Palomo and his group, Tradewinds.

The film highlights cultural identity and the evolution of indigenous art, with music playing a central role.

“We discussed with Uncle Pat and Tradewinds which songs they thought were important to highlight to get the overall mood and tone of the film just right,” Perron said.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic posed significant challenges.

“The story and scope of everything had to keep shrinking as less and less people could be involved. But in a way, we believe the intimacy of the film shines through because of the changes we had to make due to the pandemic,” Perron said.

The collaboration with Palomo and his band “felt so organic, and we’re eternally thankful for Uncle Pat for opening his life, sharing his light and entrusting us with his story,” Perron said. “Our greatest intention as filmmakers was to tell his story in the most authentic and respectful way possible.”

Working with other talented artists like Shannon McManus, John Glaser and Andrew Gumataotao added another layer of richness to the production.

“They came ready with ideas, open energies and brought so much flavor and life to the film. Their passion is contagious,” Perron said.

For Mighty Island, music is a universal language that bridges cultural and generational gaps.

“It was listening to Uncle Pat and Tradewinds’ music that got us curious and eager to learn more about their story, artistic process and influences,” Perron said. “Passing down these traditions is a big part of the CHamoru culture, and that will only continue as we progress forward into the future, breeding more filmmakers, musicians, painters, etc.”

They hope “Tradewinds” will inspire audiences to reflect on the definition of indigenous art. “There is no wrong answer,” Perron said.

Palomo’s contributions to Guam’s music scene extend beyond his talents.

“Uncle Pat’s greatest contribution is his generosity in sharing his knowledge with everyone who is interested,” Perron said. “He plays alongside both established and younger musicians all over the island, sharing knowledge and giving back to the community. That’s what Uncle Pat is all about, and we think the film captures that perfectly.”

The filmmakers hope “Tradewinds” will encourage Pacific Islanders to share their stories.

“We just want to show that no matter where you come from, you have a voice, and it is worth telling,” they said. “During the film festival circuit, we found many filmmakers from all different types of backgrounds telling their stories.”

As for what’s next, Mighty Island plans to continue exploring Guam’s culture and heritage through film.

“There are multiple stories on the horizon that we want to help shed light on,” Perron said. “Even a contemporary story on the island will always have some sort of root in the culture. So we want to explore that further.”

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