'Remathau: People of the Ocean' Makes World Premiere at 2025 Hawai‘i International Film Festival

The documentary follows the journey of Dr. Nicole Yamase, the first Micronesian to dive to the deepest part of the ocean, as she reconnects with her people's resilience and oceanic roots.

The film "Remathau: People of the Ocean", produced by Nia Tero and directed by Daniel H. Lin, made its world premiere at the Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) in October 2025 in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Yamase, from the Federated States of Micronesia, begins her journey of discovery by diving to the deepest part of the ocean – an area within the Marianas Trench named “Challenger Deep” that lies beneath the territorial waters of her country.

Feeling the immense pressure of being the first Micronesian to dive to the Challenger Deep (and only the second woman in history), Yamase embarks on a deeper exploration of her own identity as a Micronesian and a descendant of great navigators.

“With this film, the most beautiful and deepest dive of all was the journey through Indigenous identity, representation, and responsibility,” said Daniel H. Lin, the film director.

Lin is a filmmaker and photojournalist focusing on the impacts of climate change, post-colonialism, and globalization on cultural identity within Indigenous communities across the Pacific Islands and Asia. Currently, he is the Associate Director for Strategic Alliances at Nia Tero.

“The experience allowed us to look through the window of time and affirm that, if left open, it will always breathe new life into what a Pacific Island story can and should be,” he said.

About Nia Tero

“Remathau: People of the Ocean” was produced by Nia Tero, a non-profit organization working in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples worldwide. Nia Tero's mission is to directly support Indigenous Peoples’ guardianship and elevate the role and influence of Indigenous Peoples as essential to ensuring planetary health and habitability.