A Documentary Film For Cultural Preservation • Amplifying the Voice of Remote Communities

In an era where cultural diversity is under threat and languages vanish regularly, organizations like the Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages meticulously work to preserve the traditions, knowledge and cultures of remote communities. Shure, a leader in audio technology, is known for capturing iconic moments—from Martin Luther King’s speeches to Elvis Presley’s performances—and amplifying the voices of those who are part of them. Monks united Shure and the Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages for the No Voice Left Behind campaign, a project to record endangered languages—and we were there to help.

Starting with the Santhali language, we journeyed across India using Shure’s new wireless MoveMic to capture recordings of under-represented languages. These high-quality recordings will help in studying, revitalizing and passing these languages on to future generations, thanks to the work of the Living Tongues Institute. As linguists did their work, we documented the mission, creating a film that details the on-ground use of MoveMic. The final cut showcases the recording process and underscores its vital role in preserving cultural heritage.

Launched across YouTube and various social channels, the No Voice Left Behind campaign extends its reach beyond fieldwork to global awareness. The MoveMic exemplifies how advanced technology can serve crucial anthropological efforts, while the documentary showcases how creativity and innovation can help empower communities. By giving a voice to those with the most vulnerable languages, this campaign ensures their stories, traditions and languages inspire generations to come.