FEEDING THE SOUND
Connecting the Earth to Plate
Otra Voz features lesser known faces of Bocas del Toro, Panama, oft hidden by the bold presence of Western tourism. In small segments, Otra Voz will share the vibrant soundscapes of the unique Bocas ecosystem and constant cultural and scientific discovery within it—these segments will connect the voices of scientists, conservationists, eco-tourists & local businesses determined to celebrate the people and wildlife of Bocas.
The sounds of Bocas speak for themselves as we reflect on a brighter future for Bocas as the leaders of this space imagine it and show their community all they do to work towards it.
BOCAS DEL TORO
Island Chain in Panama Fighting to Promote Ocean Health
While Bocas del Toro, Panama is a bustling destination with restaurants and nightlife--it sits at the southern tip of Isla Colón, in the Caribbean Sea, a chain of islands connected to a teeming rainforest on the mainland threatened by ocean warming and development.
INCLUSIVE STORYTELLING
“Testimonios”—a “(re)telling” of a lived experience to unveil flaws in institutional structure.
Otra Voz will utilize testimonios of ocean leaders create opportunities for participants to be empowered by the act of their own storytelling. The film will take the form of collages of "in the moment" shots interspersed with focused interview. The form of the Otra Voz segments are inspired by sensory ethnography, but will include a natural dialogue in poetic, observational ways
FEATURED SPEAKERS
The Otra Voz team is proud to have connected with such phemonal leaders across many spheres of importance in Bocas to share their voice with this film. Get the know the faces of Otra Voz below:
DR. CINDA SCOTT
Center Director, School for Field Studies (SFS), Bocas del Toro, Panamá.
Dr. Cinda Scott shares her perspective as a black woman in ocean science, using her unique voice to support global marine conservation efforts and to build equity in the field. Aside from directing SFS, Dr. Scott is a member of the Bocas community and leads efforts with the Bocas Hope Spot.
XIMENA BOZA M.S.
Research Technician, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Ximena Boza is a Panamanian marine biologist with a M.S. in Oceanography. She was born and raised in Panama City and currently works in Bocas del Toro at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute as a Research Technician. She applies her ocean water-quality skills to understand the influence of coastal biology on the highly variable oceanic traits of near-shore ecosystems
LinkedIn
KRISTA SHOE
Founder, Mother of Corals
In 2017, Krista Shoe moved to Bocas del Toro, Panama where she helped build Caribbean Coral Restoration for 3 years, then founded Mother of Corals. Over the last several years she and the MOC team have taught communities to rebuild reefs in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.
Krista member of the Bocas community and leads efforts with the Bocas Hope Spot.
RAÚL GARCIA
Research Coordinator, Sea Turtle Conservancy
Raúl Garcia is responsible for coordinating the field programs at Soropta and Drago Beaches in the Bocas del Toro region, Panama for the Sea Turtle Conservancy. It is the mission of Sea Turtle Conservancy to ensure the survival of sea turtles within the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific through research, education, training, advocacy and protection of the natural habitats upon which they depend.
TILL DEUSS M.S.
Founder & CEO, Bocas Mariculture
Bocas Mariculture S.A. operates a marine ornamental farm for species native to Bocas del Toro, Panama. Bocas Mariculture provides a positive example for the aquarium industry to protect the environment through the means of a sustainable company. Till Deuss obtained his Masters degree in biology from the Justus-Liebig University, Germany, and has worked for research institutes, universities, and in the private sector on 5 continents over 20 years.
NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
"Mending a relationship between stakeholders requires emotional investment and intelligence that must be practiced. It is an honor to be the the On-Screen Host for Otra Voz, where I will celebrating multiple ways of knowing. My experience working in Theater & Performing Arts combined with my cultural background has made me ready to create live intimacy during our conversations." - Xochitl Clare
COME WORK WITH US
We are recruiting videographers & recordists for the January - March 2023 Bocas Expedition. Calls for post-production crew members for Editing roles are open as well.
SKILLS NEEDED:
Videography
Sound Recording
Comfortable in Spanish-speaking settings (Fluent not required)
Comfortable working in fast-paced, heavy physical activity environments
PACKAGE: 7 day Filming Expedition in Bocas del Toro, Panama interviewing local ocean leaders
$200 - Stipend (1 week in Bocas is very affordable via USD. This should cover more than 1 weeks' expenses)
$180 - Shared Lodging
Flights & Travel costs not included
We especially invite individuals of underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Underrepresented groups include, but are not limited to: African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, those with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds, and those underrepresented on the basis of gender identity or expression or sexual orientation.
HOW TO APPLY: Email the information below to xclare@ucsb.edu using the subject title: "Otra Voz: Crew Application" with information about your experience and interest in participating:
CV/Resume
Website or Portfolio
Online Platform Links (Social Media acceptable)
