SEA GYPSIES

Raising awareness on Sea Gypsies

The last endangered sea nomads in Borneo

We are supporting the production and distribution of the creative documentary “Sea Gypsies”, directed and produced by Elena Zervopoulou in partnership with One Vibe Films. Sea Gypsies joined the Why Poverty? series, lead by the BBC. It was covered by 69 broadcasters reaching over 200 countries worldwide. It was selected by international festivals such as IDFA (Amsterdam), Visions du Reel (Switzerland), Tampere Film Festival Tullikamarin (Finland) , Curt Doc. Vidreres International Short Doc Fest (Catalonia), London Eco Film Festival (UK), One World International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival (Prague).

Struggling to survive on a paradisiacal coral island off the coast of Borneo, a Sea Gypsy girl sees her life threatened by the ban on fishing imposed by the local marine park authorities. Facing starvation because of these new restrictions on their livelihood, Indanina and her family are forced to move to a city where life is nothing but idyllic. Her journey in an alienating, fast-changing world becomes the story of her people.

Over the years, we have developed a family-like bond with the protagonists and their community. We are preparing a campaign to raise awareness and to pressure the marine park authorities to accept the Sea Gypsies in their “home waters” and offer different alternatives to local tourism. We empower the Sea Gypsies to value and preserve their traditional unique lifestyle in harmony with the sea, despite the surrounding threats. Their cheerful story-telling, improvised music, their bond with the sea and its creatures, and their traditional know how in their natural habitat, are precious to the world !

A documentary produced on the endangered Sea Gypsies in Borneo and their challenges in a fast changing world. A raising awareness campaign to accompany the film. Sea Gypsies joined the Why Poverty? series, leaded by BBC and was covered by 69 broadcasters & reaching over 200 countries worldwide.

Sea Gypsies would appreciate your contribution

Let’s join forces to empower these wonderful nomadic sea peopleĀ and their community!

You can be part of this sustainable project, especially if you are interested in defending Sea Gypsies’ rights. Just contact us by email and we can further discuss it!