Lon Marum: People of the Volcano

The film “Lon Marum” is a documentary that examines the interconnectedness of language, culture, place, and tradition on the active volcano of Ambrym in Vanuatu. It critically addresses the limitations of scientific perspectives, particularly in the context of climate-related disasters, by highlighting the often-overlooked indigenous knowledge systems. Co-directed with local scholars, the film provides an anthropological lens on how these communities understand and navigate their environment, offering a nuanced view of resilience and adaptation grounded in centuries of lived experience.

About the filmmaker

Soraya Hosni is a 2024 Yale World Fellow, anthropologist, cultural activist, and entrepreneur. In this project, she combines her expertise in research, storytelling, video, and photography to transmit intergenerational knowledge and empower isolated communities with a special emphasis on island nations. As a founder her initiatives bridge cultural understanding, entrepreneurial innovation, and preservation, driving meaningful impact locally and globally.

About the moderator

Alex Muñoz is the McCluskey Fellow in Conservation at the Yale School of the Environment. He teaches the course Ocean Conservation and Sustainability, the first course of its kind at Yale University. For the past eight years, Alex served as Latin America Director for National Geographic’s Pristine Seas, leading efforts to establish marine reserves protecting 1.3 million square kilometers of ocean. He is a 2019 Yale World Fellow.