- 18
- 4 839 206
Ben Mikha
New Zealand
Приєднався 29 лис 2016
Meraki. Cinematographer & Filmmaker from Aotearoa / New Zealand passionate about storytelling and distant cultures.
Ailao Afi Samoan Short Documentary
AILAO AFI - A Samoan practice otherwise known as fire knife dancing.
I've been working on a Documentary about the practice of Ailao Afi, in the process I've been filming in Samoa and Aotearoa/New Zealand following multiple practitioners as they perform and interview.
What I've learned most is there is a depth of culture which exists within multiple timelines, one in the 20th century during the revitalisation (or invention depending on who you ask) of the practice and another in pre-colonial times. Ailao Afi in contemporary practice is often seen as a form of entertainment, which in itself does exist and provides a means of living for some, however this Documentary is intended to explore the deeper layers which exist, from different generations and countries in hopes of establishing a foundation of understanding for future and contemporary practitioners.
I'm still in the process of creating the Short Doco, hoping to travel back to Samoa, specifically other islands outside of Upolu. While I continue working towards funding it, I wanted to share this trailer of the project.
Lino Sanft, the interviewee lived and breathed Ailao Afi from a young age and comes from a family of Ailoa Afi Dancers.
This film was created with the help of DZO FILM using their new lens: ARLES PRIME 50mm T1.4 Vista Vision which was paired with my RED V RAPTOR 8K in Open Gate, this was the only lens used. I love the character, it's incredibly clean wide open with strong fall off towards the edges giving nice character which isn't overpowering, something I find more versatile. The lens itself is also compact, well built with fluid focus rings and common OD of 95mm. Would love to see the rest of the range at a later point: dzofilm.com/products/arles-prime.html
Director, Producer, DP, Editor - @BenMikha / benmikha
Thanks to everyone involved in the creation so far:
SAMOA
1st AD / Assist: Tupea Elia Mata'u
Gaffer / Assist: Mike Mikha
NEW ZEALAND
1st AC: Dyego Cortenas, Jack Barry
2nd AC: Liam Van Den Berk
Colourist: Jenny Montgomery (Company 3)
Sound Design / Mix: Sofiane Tib
Special Thanks: Amo Ieriko
I've been working on a Documentary about the practice of Ailao Afi, in the process I've been filming in Samoa and Aotearoa/New Zealand following multiple practitioners as they perform and interview.
What I've learned most is there is a depth of culture which exists within multiple timelines, one in the 20th century during the revitalisation (or invention depending on who you ask) of the practice and another in pre-colonial times. Ailao Afi in contemporary practice is often seen as a form of entertainment, which in itself does exist and provides a means of living for some, however this Documentary is intended to explore the deeper layers which exist, from different generations and countries in hopes of establishing a foundation of understanding for future and contemporary practitioners.
I'm still in the process of creating the Short Doco, hoping to travel back to Samoa, specifically other islands outside of Upolu. While I continue working towards funding it, I wanted to share this trailer of the project.
Lino Sanft, the interviewee lived and breathed Ailao Afi from a young age and comes from a family of Ailoa Afi Dancers.
This film was created with the help of DZO FILM using their new lens: ARLES PRIME 50mm T1.4 Vista Vision which was paired with my RED V RAPTOR 8K in Open Gate, this was the only lens used. I love the character, it's incredibly clean wide open with strong fall off towards the edges giving nice character which isn't overpowering, something I find more versatile. The lens itself is also compact, well built with fluid focus rings and common OD of 95mm. Would love to see the rest of the range at a later point: dzofilm.com/products/arles-prime.html
Director, Producer, DP, Editor - @BenMikha / benmikha
Thanks to everyone involved in the creation so far:
SAMOA
1st AD / Assist: Tupea Elia Mata'u
Gaffer / Assist: Mike Mikha
NEW ZEALAND
1st AC: Dyego Cortenas, Jack Barry
2nd AC: Liam Van Den Berk
Colourist: Jenny Montgomery (Company 3)
Sound Design / Mix: Sofiane Tib
Special Thanks: Amo Ieriko
Переглядів: 3 926
Відео
In Solitude - Atlas Mercury Anamorphic
Переглядів 7 тис.10 місяців тому
What does it mean to be alone? The idea came about after the uncomfortable reactions I’d get from people when I’d tell them I’m driving 5 hours one way to go hiking alone in a forest with no reception for a weekend. Peoples natural reactions were: “but why?” “don’t you get lonely or scared?” “are you ok?” “that’s along time in your own head” For me, time alone has always been the space where I ...
Filmmaker Reel 2023
Переглядів 10 тис.Рік тому
Just a montage of some of my favourite projects in recent years. I've never really made the effort to create a short piece with a mashup of my stuff so this is it. I'm really grateful to be able to do what I do, lately I've been working a lot as a DP and / or a Director but starting out it was everything (sound, colour, produce, some times talent lol) I wouldn't change a thing as it's taught me...
Afi Loa - A Polynesian Dance Film
Переглядів 5 тис.Рік тому
A film i'm proud to share, one I feel honoured to be a part of representing the Pacific. AFI LOA is a passion piece brought together by the hearts and souls of many Artists. Premiered live in front of an audience from Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti and the USA; AFI LOA received a grand ovation as an exhibition piece to open the Siva Afi Festival in Aotearoa / New Zealand. Inspired by the er...
Inhabitants - Hyperlapse Around The World 8K 60
Переглядів 6 тис.Рік тому
Though unintentional, this has become the largest project I have ever undertaken. Collectively around 1000 hours over the majority of my 20s, during pivotal moments with great people. Inhabitants is about this period in time, an objective look into the world from my perspective and an appreciation for creativity. My creative pursuits have allowed me to travel the world, work with some of the mo...
Parisian Sunset - Super 8mm film
Переглядів 25 тис.2 роки тому
An expression from a recent journey through Paris. The voice over is a meditation on one of the most common regrets of those on their deathbed; "I wish I hadn't worked so hard." Play is what stuck to me most during this trip, observing people pursue activities just to enjoy it. No cameras recording themselves, just presence. It made me think about childhood, doing things for fun. I guess I don'...
Go Again - Cinematic Boxing Short Film x Mikey Helg
Переглядів 21 тис.2 роки тому
Go Again - A visceral insight in to the makings of a fighter as he undergoes intense preparation leading up to a fight. The film explores the relationship between Coach and fighter, gruelling sparring and the nature of overcoming ones self to reach peak conditioning of the mind and body transcending limitations. Captured in Auckland city, we follow Mikey Helg a pro boxer. This film was conceptu...
Atoa - Dance Film
Переглядів 8 тис.2 роки тому
ATOA Best Experimental Film GFFA 2022 Best Dance Music Video IWFA 2022 An experimental film exploring the peaks and valleys of Carl Jung’s process of individuation, as expressed through dance and free movement. Individuation is a transformation of the individual, whereby the unconscious is brought into consciousness forming a complete personality. Directed, filmed and edited by Ben Mikha Thank ...
Glowworms & Galaxies | New Zealand Timelapse 8K 60
Переглядів 14 тис.3 роки тому
Glowworms and Galaxies, two natural wonders down here in New Zealand / Aotearoa. For the best viewing experience, watch on a laptop or desktop in 8K 60! (All lapses are available for licensing as stock footage) I've spent the last two years capturing the milky way during the winter months in between travels, and most recently I've been drawn to time lapsing Glowworms in their natural environmen...
Egypt - A land of Mystery
Переглядів 53 тис.3 роки тому
Egypt - A Land of Mystery This country has been my dream destination since I was a kid. I think I was always fascinated with the mysteries that surrounded the ancient culture of this vibrant country. Back in 2019, I got to experience it firsthand in a way not many people have - through the eyes of a bedouin, the original nomadic people of the desert. Between myself and Cory, we spent 10 days tr...
Island Dreams - Dominican Republic
Переглядів 29 тис.4 роки тому
Dominican Republic - A place I wish we got to explore more. Sam and I traveled to the DR for a brief four days to get a taste of Dominican culture. Everything from the coffee to the white sand beaches and swings above mountain peaks in the clouds. It felt like a dreamscape which I'd love to revisit some day. This is a film I've been sitting on for a while now but stoked to finally release it. I...
Aotearoa - Land of the long White Cloud
Переглядів 33 тис.4 роки тому
The Land Of The Long White Cloud - Aotearoa, New Zealand. This film is all about reconnecting with nature after being inside for quite a while. A lot of the time we have taken the little things for granted like road tripping with friends or a simple weekend away at the beach. It's funny that these moments end up being the ones that stay with us and forge close friendships. I wanted to share my ...
Sacred Center - Samoa
Переглядів 83 тис.4 роки тому
SAMOA - The Sacred Center of the Pacific A dedication to the people of Samoa, my motherland and my ancestors for guiding this journey. This has been a long time coming, around 2 months of on-and-off editing, learning an entirely new Editing software to handle the files, learning a new camera and multiple drafts to finally reach the end film - I'm so happy to share this with you all! As you may ...
Winter in New Zealand
Переглядів 487 тис.5 років тому
Winter in New Zealand! I sourced all music from Musicbed for this video, you can find them here and also receive a free 30 day trial - share.mscbd.fm/benmikha A Cinematic Travel Film through my home country during Winter. Honestly, Winter was always my least favourite season, I was always drawn to tropical weather and warmer climates. This year however, I decided I wanted to explore my country ...
Nirvana - India & Nepal (Cinematic Travel Film)
Переглядів 638 тис.5 років тому
In Search of Nirvana! A cinematic travel film created from a trip to India and Nepal a couple of months back. This trip did a lot for me, not only was I able to experience India for a second time but I got to see two cultures who lived almost entirely at peace with each other's differences. We spent 3 weeks traveling through the sub continent of India learning about it's history, meeting the am...
Varanasi - Cinematic travel film (Sony A7iii)
Переглядів 3,1 млн5 років тому
Varanasi - Cinematic travel film (Sony A7iii)
Ancient city of bharat n city of lord Shiva 🙏
so good🙌🙌
💎🖤
Aotearoa land of the fake people and pretenders
Come north east india❤
Phenomenal 👏
cool video
2:04 your usual friendly Indian
I like this❤❤
Some of the scene in this video is not Varanasi. 1.17 to 1.30, the scene is Betwal river and Orchha, another city located in the provence of Madhya Pradesh.
I get chills every time I watch your Samoa films. Much alofa ✊🏽❤️
❤❤❤😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉
The Mickey laugh going past the Disney sign was perfect.
Freaking Awesome.... im Truly inspired by your video
Great cinematography ❤
Varanasi is that way full of chaos garbage on road, people are high, people crash vehicles into each other. It’s just a reflection of the modern human mind and our life. Varanasi hides a way to be free of this very chaos. So you won’t end up in sht
This is varnashi (Kashi) Oldest city and civilization in the world... Welcome to India ❤
❤ this
Is this ok to use your video on my project?
Wow this is incredible! ONE lens only is a feet in itself! Very inspired...to stop changing lenses :P
wow this is beatiful ben
I like this ❤️ Keep going 👏🏻 Stay hard 🦾
👏👏👏
Love this. At what frame rate would you recommend shooting something like this? Do you use luts or grade from scratch
Gorgeous work and amazing how much you got out of one lens!
Bravo 👏🏽
😮
Warum bin ich nicht überrascht. Wie gewohnt, ein fantastisches Kunstwerk.
That was Beautiful dude!
That was incredible! How does this only have 1k views!?
Crazy men!!! hats off to the work
Really beautiful work Ben! 🔥
Beautiful work!!
Amazing work 👏🏽
First incredible footage I see with these lenses!
Narendra Modi's Constituency <3
Cheehooooo! Powerful uso.
Sheeeeeesh ❤
This is absolutely brilliant brother, the shots, framing, grading, plots.. everything's on point... You deserve more views, keep up the good work, don' get demotivated by less views, it'll gradually increase!!
The filming and the camera positioning is on point, I love it.
Every frames are good! Worth watching ❤
Amazing
Beautiful
Love the film and the glass ❤
Amazing.
GOATED...!!!!❤
Amazing video
From Russia with love!
Proud of you bro, this is a master piece, I know great things will come in the next chapter 🔥