It’s the Christmas season and a Chamorro family from Guam living in Northern California is busily preparing for their annual Nobenan Niñu Jesus. Through the preparation of kélaguen and singing traditional songs, the grandchildren learn about their culture and Chamorro language—a language that they do not speak—but will happily sing alongside their grandparents. The nobena practice, often led by women, continues to preserve and perpetuate the Chamorro language and values and brings together extended families across spaces.

Director Biography - Lola Quan Bautista

Lola Quan Bautista’s inspiration, drive, and dedication come from her Chamorro roots; her parents, Felis and Josefina Unpingco Quan; and her large, extended family living on Guam and in the diaspora. As an associate professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Lola’s research has brought her to different places, expanding her knowledge and family networks in Micronesia. Her research focuses on migration, diaspora, and issues of social justice and her films aim to encourage audiences to consider the realities and challenges faced by Micronesians at home and away. Much of her work showcases the special role that women play in the transmission of faith, knowledge, and cultural traditions.