About Manhita Chamorro

Manhita Chamorro Inc. was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a singular initial mission: to produce "I Am Chamorro," a feature-length documentary exploring the history, culture, and contemporary experiences of the Chamorro people. That mission has since expanded into a broader commitment to indigenous Pacific Islander storytelling, cultural preservation, and community education.

Our Story

The organization emerged from conversations among Chamorro community members in the Greater Los Angeles area who recognized that the Chamorro story was largely absent from mainstream American discourse, and even within academic and educational settings, Chamorro voices were too often filtered through colonial perspectives. We believed—and continue to believe—that the Chamorro people deserve to tell their own story, in their own voices, with all its complexity, pain, beauty, and resilience.

Manhita: Together

The word "manhita" means "together" or "united" in the Chamorro language, and it captures the spirit of our work. We cannot do this alone. Our documentary was made possible through the generosity of dozens of interview subjects who shared their stories, the expertise of cultural practitioners and historians who provided context and guidance, the financial support of individual donors and foundations who believed in the project, and the enthusiasm of community members who attended screenings, spread the word, and affirmed that these stories matter.

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to preserve, celebrate, and share Chamorro culture through documentary film and educational programming. We serve Chamorro communities in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and throughout the diaspora, as well as educators, students, and anyone interested in learning about indigenous Pacific Islander cultures. We envision a world where Chamorro history is taught accurately in schools, where young Chamorros feel proud of their heritage, where the Chamorro language thrives, and where the resilience and contributions of the Chamorro people are recognized and celebrated.

Who We Serve

Chamorro communities in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands
Chamorro diaspora throughout the United States and beyond
Educators and students seeking authentic indigenous perspectives
Documentary film enthusiasts interested in Pacific Islander stories
Anyone committed to cultural preservation and indigenous rights

What We Do Today

Today, Manhita Chamorro Inc. continues to organize community screenings of "I Am Chamorro," partner with educational institutions to bring the documentary into classrooms, develop supplementary educational materials about Chamorro history and culture, and build relationships with other indigenous Pacific Islander organizations working toward similar goals. We are also exploring future documentary projects that will continue to center Chamorro and Pacific Islander voices and experiences.

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Film Production

Creating documentaries that center Chamorro voices and tell authentic stories of our history and culture.

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Educational Outreach

Partnering with schools and universities to bring "I Am Chamorro" into classrooms with discussion guides and materials.

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Community Screenings

Organizing film screenings with panel discussions that bring communities together for dialogue and connection.

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Partnership Building

Collaborating with other Pacific Islander organizations working toward cultural preservation and indigenous rights.

Our Legal Status

Manhita Chamorro Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. This means that donations to our organization are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Organization Type: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

EIN (Tax ID): 46-2295836

Official Mailing Address: Manhita Chamorro Inc.
P.O. Box 3203
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
United States

Service Area: Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and Chamorro diaspora communities

We are listed as an approved tax-exempt organization by the Government of Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation. All financial contributions are used to support our mission of cultural preservation and education.

Watch Our Documentary

Learn more about "I Am Chamorro" and find out how to watch or organize a screening.

Learn More

Support Our Work

Make a tax-deductible donation to help us continue preserving Chamorro culture.

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