The Long-Tailed Macaque Project
The Fruit Between Us: Documenting a fragile balance in rural Indonesia
A photo and video project exploring the complex relationship between people and long-tailed macaques, built to support future outreach, education, and awareness efforts.
client:
Focus:
Human-wildlife conflict, visual storytelling, conservation awareness
7
DAYS IN THE FIELD
2
INTERVIEWS
1
SHORT FILM
introduction
About the client
The Long-Tailed Macaque Project works to understand and protect one of Southeast Asia’s most misunderstood primates. In parts of Indonesia, these macaques are seen as both sacred and a pest, depending on who you ask. This project set out to tell that story, honestly and visually.
We joined them in Simeulue, a coastal island in West-Sumatra, to document daily interactions between macaques and villagers. Through photo and video, we captured the nuance of this relationship, showing the tension, coexistence, and moments of quiet connection.
What they say about us
"Working with Blue Toucan Productions felt like having a partner who truly listened. They didn’t just film our work, they captured its soul. The final story helped our supporters understand the fragile reality we face here, and why coexistence matters."
PROJECT LEAD, THE LONG-TAILED MACAQUE PROJECT
description
The challenge
The Long-Tailed Macaque Project wanted to raise awareness about rising human-wildlife conflict in Southeast-Asia. While the research was strong, they lacked the visual tools to tell the full story and connect with a wider audience.
The goal was to create honest, engaging content that would help people understand the complex relationship between macaques and local communities, without simplifying or taking sides.
story
The solution
We joined the team in the field to document their work up close. Through observational filming and careful interviews, we built a story that showed both the scientific and human side of the issue.
Instead of framing it as a fight between people and primates, we focused on the shared space they navigate daily. The final video became a tool for education, empathy, and dialogue used in talks, classrooms, and policy discussions.
success
The result
The story sparked strong engagement within conservation circles, drawing attention from both local and international audiences. It gave the project a clear and compelling way to explain their work, and helped shift the conversation around human–macaque conflict.
Though not part of a paid campaign, the film was widely shared and used across presentations, workshops, and community screenings. It now serves as a core piece of outreach for the team’s ongoing efforts.
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