I Am Chamorro
A Documentary Journey Through History, Identity, and Resilience
About the Film
"I Am Chamorro" is a feature-length documentary that asks one fundamental question: What does it mean to be Chamorro today?
Through intimate interviews, rare archival footage, and stunning cinematography of the Mariana Islands, the film traces the journey of the Chamorro people—indigenous inhabitants of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands—who have survived centuries of colonization, the devastation of World War II, and ongoing cultural challenges while maintaining a strong sense of identity and pride.
This is not a story told by outsiders. "I Am Chamorro" centers the voices of Chamorro elders, activists, artists, historians, and everyday community members who speak candidly about their experiences, their pain, their hopes, and their determination to keep Chamorro culture alive for future generations.
"I Am Chamorro" gives voice to a people whose story has too often been told by others. This is our story, in our words.
— Film participant
What the Film Explores
"I Am Chamorro" is a comprehensive look at Chamorro history and contemporary life, addressing difficult questions and celebrating cultural resilience.
Pre-Contact Chamorro Society
The sophisticated seafaring civilization that thrived for thousands of years before European contact, including traditional navigation, agriculture, and social structures.
Spanish Colonization
The devastating impact of Spanish colonial rule beginning in 1668, including forced conversion, population decline, and the suppression of Chamorro language and customs.
World War II & Japanese Occupation
The trauma of Japanese invasion and occupation, forced labor, concentration camps, and the liberation that brought American military control.
American Era & Military Presence
The complex relationship with the United States, including questions of political status, land rights, and the massive military presence on Guam.
Language Revitalization
Efforts to preserve and revive the Chamorro language after generations of suppression and declining fluency among young people.
Identity & Diaspora
What it means to be Chamorro in the 21st century, both in the Mariana Islands and in diaspora communities, and how cultural identity is maintained and evolves.
Questions the Film Asks
"I Am Chamorro" doesn't offer easy answers. Instead, it poses critical questions that Chamorro people grapple with every day:
- How do you maintain cultural identity after centuries of colonial domination?
- Can a language be revived when most young people don't speak it fluently?
- What does self-determination mean for a people living under American rule?
- How do diaspora communities stay connected to island culture?
- What responsibilities do Chamorros have to preserve their heritage for future generations?
- How can Chamorro culture adapt and thrive in a modern, globalized world?
- What does it truly mean to be Chamorro today?
These questions drive the film's narrative and spark important conversations in every community where it is screened.
Watch and Share the Film
For Educators & Students
"I Am Chamorro" is an invaluable educational resource for courses in Pacific history, indigenous studies, American colonial history, cultural anthropology, and documentary filmmaking.
Discussion Guides Available
We provide comprehensive discussion guides for teachers to facilitate meaningful classroom conversations about the film's themes.
Virtual Q&A Sessions
When possible, we offer virtual Q&A sessions with filmmakers and featured subjects for participating classrooms.
Affordable Educational Pricing
Schools and educational institutions can access the film at low or no cost. Contact us to discuss your needs.
Are you an educator interested in using "I Am Chamorro" in your classroom?
Get in TouchFrequently Asked Questions
How long is "I Am Chamorro"?
"I Am Chamorro" is a feature-length documentary with a runtime of approximately 78 minutes. This length allows us to explore the complex history and contemporary experiences of the Chamorro people in depth while remaining accessible for educational screenings and classroom use.
How can I watch the documentary?
There are several ways to watch "I Am Chamorro." We regularly organize community screenings—check our Events page for upcoming screenings in your area. Educational institutions and community organizations can contact us to arrange private screenings. DVDs are available for purchase through our website, with proceeds supporting our nonprofit mission. Selected clips are also available on our YouTube channel. We are actively working on broader distribution options including streaming platforms and additional public television broadcasts.
Can I screen the film for my school, library, or community group?
Absolutely! We enthusiastically support community and educational screenings of "I Am Chamorro." Schools, libraries, universities, community centers, and cultural organizations can contact us through our contact page to arrange screenings. We offer the film at low or no cost for educational and nonprofit purposes, and can often provide discussion guides and, when possible, virtual Q&A sessions with the filmmakers or featured subjects. We believe the film should be accessible to all Chamorro communities and to anyone interested in learning about Chamorro culture and history.
Who is featured in the documentary?
The documentary features a diverse range of Chamorro voices including elders who lived through World War II and the American naval administration, language revitalization activists working to preserve the Chamorro language, artists and musicians keeping cultural traditions alive, historians and scholars providing context and analysis, and everyday Chamorros from Guam, Saipan, and the diaspora sharing their personal stories of identity and belonging. This diversity of perspectives ensures that the film represents the richness and complexity of Chamorro experiences.
What topics does the film cover?
"I Am Chamorro" takes viewers on a comprehensive journey through Chamorro history and contemporary life. The film explores pre-contact Chamorro society and the ancient seafaring traditions of the Mariana Islands, the devastating impact of Spanish colonization beginning in 1668, the trauma of World War II and Japanese occupation, American military presence and political status issues, efforts to revitalize the Chamorro language and cultural practices, questions of identity and belonging in the diaspora, and contemporary activism around indigenous rights and self-determination. Throughout, the film centers Chamorro voices and perspectives, asking the fundamental question: What does it mean to be Chamorro today?
Is the documentary appropriate for children and students?
The documentary is appropriate for high school age students and adults. While the film does address difficult historical topics including colonization, war, and cultural trauma, it does so in an educational and respectful manner without graphic imagery. Many high schools in Guam and communities with Chamorro populations have successfully used the film in their curriculum. For younger students, we recommend that educators preview the film and potentially screen selected segments rather than the full documentary. We provide teacher discussion guides to help facilitate age-appropriate conversations about the film's themes.
Have more questions?
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