Joo Peter

Getting to Know Joo Peter

Joo has studied arts, painting and graphics, with experience in theatre stage design. For many years he has balanced his love for filmmaking and teaching. He writes essays and articles in his native tongue, German, for he feels his language combines philosophy and humour. He is often based in Bali throughout his travels and through his love of community and collaboration shares his experiences with us in Sawidji.

Later I started travelling as a photographer and writer. I fell in love with Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia. Documentary film emerged as the best way for storytelling, a way to become a reader and listener again. An observer.

Joo Peter

Biography

Art and Emancipation

For Joo Peter art is synonymous with a more complex manifestation of emancipation. Throughout his research and closer study of history, he sees that from earlier times it is a process resulting in freedom. Opening doors and allowing multiple perspectives culminating in a form of liberation. This is the core of his passion for travelling and documentation. Meeting other cultures opens the doors to new and different worlds that set you free from the restrictions of your previous experience.

The pattern of relationships that we inherit from our cultures, where we come from, in one way or another may be restrictive. Exposure to their cultures forces one to see different approaches and the many different ways people live their lives in the world. There is no one right way. He appreciates encountering the different ways other cultures show their love and respect for nature. How it may be interwoven into their cultural life.

The Power of Ancient Cultures

Ancient cultures are powerful and have a different view.. we are too much assimilated today through a specific media culture, the American media culture for example… and the way we are assimilated is already astonishing and frightening. Old cultures are such a treasure. Their knowledge and experience have immense depth. It brings to mind India in all its complexities. Bhutan,.. Nepal,.. and the archipelago cultures.. mixed and combined and reached each other. This is a treasure that is in danger of getting lost.. through this global assimilation process, with commercialisation.

Joo Peter

I am always surprised by what I discover in ancient cultures. Bali is a powerful example where so many influences .. archaeological layers come together in one system.. so many countless examples.. old calendar system.. 5 day week etc.. a complex calibrated system where all influences are stored and combined in a cathedral of cultural beauty .. it mirrors the beauty of nature..

Joo Peter

Joo Peter, Related Events and Articles

Joo Peter is often travelling, across South East Asia and the Pacific. Exploring cultures and communities in many different places. His articles offer a unique close-up view of many cultures perhaps unfamiliar to us. You may find links to his upcoming projects and related articles here.

Joo Peter Media Articles

Related Joo Peter Articles

• http://www.sukumentawai.org/en/2023/04/film-mentawai-souls-of-the-forest-awarded-mt-everest-award-at-nepal-international-film-festival-2023/
• https://www.mentawaikita.com/baca/6056/film-mentawai-soul-of-the-forest-hutan-jantungnya-masyarakat-adat-mentawai%C2%A0
• https://filmfreeway.com/Mentawai
• https://liveencounters.net/2019-le-mag/08-august-2019/joo-peter-mentawai-islands/

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