December 24, 2024, SHENZHEN—This year, OPPO and Discovery Channel embarked on a remarkable global journey with the Culture in a Shot initiative, celebrating cultural diversity and heritage through OPPO's imaging technology. The global cultural journey began with the tribes of Northern Thailand, and traversed 12 countries, including Spain, Mexico and France, concluding with the Dani tribe of Papua in Indonesia. Under the annual theme Portrait of Legacy, Discovery Channel photographer Jerome Teo captured portraits that vividly showcased the richness of global traditions. From vibrant festivals to timeless lifestyles and innovative cultural integration, this journey highlighted the beauty of human connection and shared heritage. Through OPPO's AI technology, these cultures are brought to life in innovative ways, connecting global audiences with the heart of tradition.

Festival: Day of the Dead in Mexico, Where Traditions Embrace life and Dead

Travelling in to Oaxaca, Mexico during the Day of the Dead celebrations is one of the highlights of the cultural journey. The vibrant festival is rich in cultural and historical significance, and draws from deep indigenous roots. The city comes alive with street parades—filled with dancers, music, and colorful art like papel picado (cut-out paper banners) and alebrijes (sculptures of fantastical creatures). Celebrating death might seem unusual, but the Day of the Dead is really about strengthening the connection to the past, recalling their best memories together with the lost ones, and teaching the younger ones about ancestors they never had the chance to meet.

Timeless Ways of Life: Adventure in Tribes in South East Asia

Across the mountains and islands of South East Asia, Jerome ventured into the highlands of Papua in Indonesia and the hills of Northern Thailand, meeting tribes whose lifestyles remain rooted in ancestral practices.

Living in a remote region largely untouched by modern influences, the Dani tribe of Papua in Indonesia offers a glimpse into an ancient way of life. They farm, hunt, and gather in ways that sustain the environment, mirroring the respect for nature practised by their ancestors. Elders share stories and wisdom, ensuring that the tribe's deep connection to their roots endure for generations to come.

While travelling along the Thailand-Myanmar border in Chiang Mai, Jerome met different tribes with their unique languages and customs. From the music of the Lisu people to the rattan weaving of the Lahu, each art form narrates a distinct cultural story. These communities exemplify a harmonious coexistence with nature and the power of oral traditions in keeping their cultures alive.

Reviving Traditions: Integrating Modern Trends

However, tradition is not static—it evolves and adapts. Jerome also met the batik artisans in Yogyakarta in Indonesia, and flamenco dancers in Sevilla, Spain, and explored how cultural legacies are being reimagined.

Batik, a handcraft originated from 2,000 years ago, is a core element of Indonesia's culture. By blending traditional Javanese motifs with contemporary art, Batik artists use new designs to raise awareness about current affairs.

Similarly, in Seville, Spain, young flamenco dancers channel the fiery passion of their art into a modern expression of identity. Flamenco, which originated from the traditions of traveling gypsies, is an expression of identity deeply ingrained in Andalusian culture. Through each movement and melody, flamenco dancers weave history with innovation, ensuring flamenco remains a proud emblem of Andalusian culture.

Legacy Endures: Connecting Global Communities through Culture

The Culture in a Shot initiative goes beyond storytelling, and it inspires OPPO’s global communities to capture and celebrate their own cultures. In Malaysia, the OPPO Malaysia Through The Lens campaign showcased five distinct traditional Malaysian art forms, including the art of Wayang Kulit Melayu Tradisional Kelantan shadow puppetry and the Ngajat dance. In the United Arab Emirates, the OPPO community explored traditional Arabic art and culture, while in Brazil, they delved into the unique ways of life in the rainforest. By encouraging individuals to express and share their cultural heritage, OPPO is raising awareness of the value of these traditions, inspiring communities to reconnect with their cultural roots.

OPPO AI Studio: bringing culture to more people through innovative ways

To bring these cultures closer to audiences worldwide, OPPO AI studio leverages GenAI technology to create immersive experiences. Users can transform themselves into flamenco dancers or wear vibrant Day of the Dead masks, reimaging their portraits against culturally rich backdrops. The studio even allows users to craft personalized alebrijes, echoing the magical artistry of Mexican folk sculptures. By blending technology with tradition, OPPO redefines how we engage with and celebrate cultural heritage.

Legacy isn't just about preserving memories—it's about the connections we create and pass on. Through the Culture in a Shot initiative, OPPO and Discovery Channel has explored art, festivals, and traditions to highlight the beauty of cultural diversity. These intertwined stories remind us that culture shapes who we are today and the legacy we leave for future generations. Together, they enrich the vibrant tapestry of humanity, capturing the essence of our shared identity.