Dreams of the World: An Odyssey into Humanity's Heart
By Safina Center Fellow Kike Calvo
Safina Center Fellow Kike Calvo reflects on the launch of his new project, “Dreams of the World,” a collection of dozens of short video vignettes highlighting the culture, lives, and dreams of the many different people who call our planet home.
As I sit down to write this, I'm reminded of the countless faces and stories that have shaped my journey as a storyteller and photographer. "Dreams of the World" is not just a project; it's the culmination of a lifelong passion for understanding and celebrating the human spirit. This odyssey into the heart of humanity captures the diverse yet universal aspirations of people globally, each story woven into a vibrant tapestry of dreams and resilience.
My travels have taken me to over 130 countries, documenting life through the lens of culture and environment. Each journey, each encounter, has offered me a unique window into the soul of diverse communities—from children in remote villages dreaming of education, to artists in bustling cities painting their paths to fame. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping "Dreams of the World." Each video on our landing page isn't just a story; it's a revelation, a glimpse into the profound depths of human life and aspiration.
One of the pivotal moments in my journey into visual anthropology was the documentation of the Corpus Christi celebration in Atánquez. This project was my first formal attempt to conduct a serious visual anthropology study, resulting in a published book titled Corpus Christi in Atánquez: La Fiesta del Sol del Pueblo Kankuamo, with a foreword by the renowned anthropologist Wade Davis. The production of this book was a milestone, not just for me but for all those involved in this ancestral celebration. In a gesture of gratitude, we donated 500 copies of the book to everyone who partook in the festivities, ensuring that this cultural heritage was remembered by the community.
As part of the Little Explorer, Big World initiative, we didn't stop at just donating copies of Corpus Christi in Atánquez. We also extended our efforts to the rural schools in the area by donating bilingual children's books. This effort was aimed at fostering literacy and providing educational resources to children, thus nurturing the next generation's understanding and appreciation of their cultural heritage.
Moreover, I have shared the knowledge and experiences acquired from this project by bringing small groups to experience the Corpus Christi event firsthand. This has now become an annual tradition, allowing more people to witness and participate in this vibrant celebration. Each visit deepens the participants' appreciation for cultural diversity and the enduring traditions of the Kankuamo people.
Through these efforts, "Dreams of the World" continues to bridge communities and cultures, highlighting the shared human experience and the dreams that inspire us all.
Through my initiative, Little Explorer, Big World, we constantly engage in donation efforts, providing books to remote communities, enhancing literacy, and fostering environmental awareness. These efforts have reinforced a vital lesson: despite our superficial differences, the core of what makes us human is strikingly similar. We all share dreams, hopes, and the drive to better our circumstances. It's this realization that fuels the narrative of "Dreams of the World."
Each story in "Dreams of the World" is a beacon of light, uniting us in the shared dance of dreams. It's a celebration of the enduring spirit of mankind and the dreams that propel us toward a brighter future. As an anthropologist and ethnographer once noted, "Humans are an endless source of joy and curiosity; every culture carries seeds of wisdom that can teach us all." This project is my homage to that incredible diversity and commonality.
There are two reflections encapsulate the essence of "Dreams of the World:
"Anthropology demands the open-mindedness with which one must look and listen, record in astonishment and wonder that which one would not have been able to guess." — Margaret Mead
"Every human is like all other humans, some other humans, and no other human." — Clyde Kluckhohn
As we delve into each narrative, we discover the unique and universal threads that connect us all. While our dreams might be painted in different shades, the canvas of human aspiration remains the same.
"Dreams of the World" is more than a collection of stories; it's an invitation to celebrate, learn, and connect. It encourages us to look beyond boundaries and recognize the threads of commonality that weave us into the intricate human tapestry. Join me in this exploration, and let's continue to uncover the dreams that unite us across the globe.
Dream, explore, and be inspired. Together, we journey towards understanding and appreciating the kaleidoscope of human existence.