Two Islands

Two Islands is a documentary film project that shows through cinematic storytelling an international artistic partnership that explores the importance of rituals and ceremonies of two different cultures, Afro-Cuban and Australian Aboriginal, through music and dance. Located in different hemispheres and home to profoundly disparate cultures, Miami and Australia share a history as cultural crossroads. Five artists from two different cultures, Afro-Cubans and First Nations Aboriginal Australians collaborate to explore their ancestor's cultural heritage, coming together to exchange their ancestor's cultural legacy through a collaboration between music and dance. Within Afro-Cuban culture, the rituals of the Orisha religion include music, dance, and visual manifestations corresponding to the various Orishas (deities) in the religion's pantheon. Aboriginal culture is holistic; defined by its connection to family, community, and country. Land defines Aboriginal people. Their ancestral spirits emerged from the earth and the sky and created all that exists. With the support of the National Endowment of the Arts as part of the Artworks, Miami Dade County's International Cultural Partnership Grants, and produced by the Koubek Center of Miami Dade College, this project highlights the importance of preserving one's cultural heritage to preserve one's own identity, accepting who we are and discovering our role and cultural purpose within the society we live in.