Gambier Pearls
I spent over two months in the Gambier archipelago documenting pearl farming, a crucial source of income in French Polynesia. Living on the remote island of Tarauru Roa, home to fewer than 15 residents, I fully immersed myself in the daily lives and work of the pearl farmers. During this period, I created a diverse collection of content, including a series of evocative images, 100 vertical short videos, a short advertisement, and a comprehensive 30-minute documentary.
Starting from scratch, we built a dedicated following on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, generating dozens of inquiries. Several of the images were later featured in a bus advertising campaign, showcased at overseas festivals, and even used in an airplane commercial.
Short advertisment
Computer generated visuals helping to explain difference between pearls
2D animation of Mangareva around the time of the arrival of the europeans
Testimonials
I had the pleasure of working with Maxime R. on a documentary project about the pearl farming industry, and I cannot recommend him enough.
Maxime was truly dedicated to the craft—he didn’t just document the process, but immersed himself by working part-time as an employee to fully understand the intricacies of the work.
His commitment to capturing the essence of the industry was unmatched, and the quality of his photography and videography was nothing short of exceptional. His professionalism, creativity, and deep understanding of our work made the entire experience seamless and enriching.
I highly recommend Maxime for anyone seeking high-quality documentary work with a personal, hands-on touch
Arii S. | Pearl farm content manager
