Dreamcatchers is a travel documentary television series created and presented by Philippe Estiot and Iva Agüero, in collaboration with Malaysian production company Trifecta Collective. The series is a quest for "dreamcatchers"—people that have changed their life to pursue a dream. Throughout the series, Dreamcatchers showcases the local culture of each destination as the search expands across Southeast Asia.
Premise Dreamcatchers is a factual entertainment series where each episode introduces a different "dreamcatcher" character and their story. The episodes begin with Philippe Estiot and Iva Agüero travelling from one destination to another in search of dreamcatcher to interview. As they seek out dreamcatchers, Philippe and Iva also become immersed in the local culture of a region, exploring food, learning about traditions and learning from the local people.
Production Dreamcatchers is produced by Phiva Prod (formerly Phil & Iva Productions Sdn. Bhd.), a full-service production company registered in Malaysia While Dreamcatchers is still the company's main production, Phiva Prod also produces commissioned shows for cable television, feature-length documentaries and corporate videos.
Distribution Dreamcatchers is currently distributed by kwanza, a premium factual-specialist distribution and production company operating globally. The series has aired in over fifty countries worldwide on multiple cable television channels, including:
Outside TV (US) (Brazil) Metro Channel (Philippines) BeritaSatu (Indonesia) TrueVisions (Thailand) (Europe, Russia, Canada) (Italy) Viajar (Spain) ERT3 (Greece)
Series overview Season One (2017) Season one of Dreamcatchers was filmed in Indonesia. It first premiered in July 2017, and went on to air in over 45 countries worldwide. The season was named a National Winner in the Asian Academy Creative Awards and represented Malaysia in the Best Non-Scripted Entertainment category. EpisodeDreamcatcher(s)TitleDescription1Jean-PhilippeFrom Chimney Sweep to FishermanThe adventure begins! Climb aboard Dali, as Phil and Iva work hard to get their boat ready and set sail from Thailand to Indonesia. Their four-day navigation brings them to the exotic island of Pulau Weh. They go scuba diving and meet Raja, a friendly local who tells them about Jean-Philippe: a former chimney sweep who left France 25 years ago, and found happiness living as a fisherman on this tiny island of North Sumatra.2Quentin & GosiaFor the Love of SurfExperience everyday life aboard a sailboat as Phil and Iva go spearfishing and re-provision their boat on land. While sailing from Sumatra to Simelue Island, they encounter another sailboat named Bonnie. It took Quentin & Gosia ten years to fulfil their dream of buying their own sailboat to go surf the notorious Indonesian waves. After sailing through rough weather, follow Iva as enthusiastic local children give her a guided tour of the Sinabang market.3The McGrodersRaising a Family Aboard a ShipAs the search for Dreamcatchers continues, Phil finds a way to pick some fresh coconuts on a paradise beach and Iva takes us through the mangroves in search of a fresh water creek. They leave the boat and travel inland to the majestic volcanic site of Lake Toba. Back on the water, they sail to the Telo Island group and finally meet John and Belinda, who have raised their two children aboard their boat, The Barrenjoey, while conducting surf charters in Indonesia.4Diego & TravisThe Mentawai SurfcampAfter stocking up in the chaotic city of Padang, Phil and Iva set sail to discover the best surf spot in Indonesia: the Mentawai islands. They meet Phil's old friend Diego, who during seven years fought to bring his surf camp to life. Iva takes a tour of the permaculture efforts on the island, as Diego shares his dream of a sustainable agriculture. Phil and Iva follow the surfers to a world-famous break and meet Travis, a pro-surfer who quit his comfortable life at home to chase the waves all over the world.5MariaProtector of the Sumatran TigersPhil and Iva arrive at the most remote island yet: Pulau Sanding. On this uninhabited piece of paradise, they are attacked by sandflies, lose all communication, and Iva has her first breakdown of the trip. As they set sail, trouble continues and their engine fails. A stop in the curious city of Bengkulu allows them to rest and recover before continuing to fight their way against the wind and the waves. At last, they reach a wildlife protection area South of Sumatra where they meet Maria, a conservation specialist who re-introduces conflict tigers into nature at Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation.6Phil & IvaThe Journey to Becoming DreamcatchersPhil and Iva anchor their boat Dali in the imposing and world-famous Krakatau volcanic site. They climb the active volcano and are rewarded with the most breathtaking scenery of their trip. A stop in the busy capital of Jakarta allows them to fix their engine before setting sail for the island of Belitung. There, they go spearfishing and enjoy the underwater life one last time before reaching their final destination of Kuching, Borneo. It is time for them to reflect on their long journey around Indonesia, in an emotional conclusion to their epic voyage.
Season Two (2018) Season two of Dreamcatchers premiered on 9 May 2019, with episodes filmed in East Malaysia. EpisodeDreamcatcher(s)TitleDescription1AlenaThe Rivers of BorneoThe Borneo adventure begins with an explosion of culture and sound at the Rainforest World Music Festival. Malaysian artist Alena Murang shares her Dreamcatcher journey that saw her leave the corporate world behind to pursue her passion for music. Back on the water, Phil and Iva get their first taste of Sarawak as they sail up the Borneo rivers and are invited to party at an Iban longhouse.2Dick, Pril & JessaInto the JungleMeet Dick and Pril, an octogenarian couple that built a sailboat in their Californian backyard and set off to discover the world. With their sailboat safely berthed at the Miri Marina, Phil and Iva travel deep into the rainforest to explore some of the largest cave systems in the world. In the jungle they meet 23-year-old Jessa, a fearless entomologist prepared to risk it all for the love of insects.3Steph & BelénA Tale of Two DiversSailing from Miri to the island of Labuan, Phil and Iva explore the spectacular underwater life of Borneo. They are guided by Steph and Belén; two young dive masters from Malaysia and Argentina, whose Dreamcatcher journeys led them both to change their lives in search of happiness. Amongst the oil platforms of Labuan, Phil and Iva discover stunning beaches, do some boat maintenance and explore this very unusual island.4Adrian & InésEat, Sleep, Surf, RepeatPhil and Iva fly to Bali in Indonesia to fulfil their dream of learning how to surf. The waves have some hard lessons to teach them but perseverance pays off. In the bustling city of Seminyak they are greeted by Balinese beauty Inés who gave up her Miss Indonesia crown to pursue her dream of being a restaurateur alongside her husband Adrian.5AlexA Humanitarian Dream Comes TruePhil and Iva travel to Ubud in the heart of Bali to meet a new kind of Dreamcatcher: one who changed his life to help others. Alex moved from Switzerland to Indonesia to set up a foundation that provides medical care to Balinese people in need. To conclude their Indonesian voyage, Phil and Iva travel to the island of Nusa Penida where they witness the raw beauty of nature.6DaneReaching New HeightsBack in Borneo, Phil and Iva leave Sarawak and sail their boat to Sabah, spotting the emblematic Mount Kinabalu from the water. Determined to climb it, they embark on an adventure that takes them to the summit and some of the most magnificent landscapes they have ever seen. Back in the city of Kota Kinabalu they meet Dane, an Australian Dreamcatcher, who has made a new life for himself by embracing the local culture.7Kalani, YuBee and SueDancing with TurtlesPhil and Iva travel to Pom Pom Island, a resplendent jewel of an island home to Kalani and Yu Bee. A former US Marine, Kalani gave up his home and followed his wife to Borneo in order to save their marriage. On this gem of an island, Phil and Iva dive by day and by night and encounter Sue, a Brazilian Dreamcatcher. She shares the emotional journey that led her from a desk job in the city of São Paulo to releasing baby turtles on this tropical paradise.8Jo & AnnGirl PowerStrong women take center stage in the eclectic city of Kota Kinabalu. Phil and Iva meet Jo, a bubbly new mom at the head of her successful social enterprise: Changgih Designs. She shares her emotional journey towards becoming a Dreamcatcher while returning to her Sabahan roots. Fellow Sabahan Ann Osman recounts her struggle to ditch the corporate world and become Malaysia's first Female Mixed Martial Arts fighter.9Franco, Anna & JustinVoices of MalaysiaA Malaysian husband and wife team surprise Phil and Iva with their bravery and Dreamcatcher spirit. Having learned their sailing skills from YouTube, Franco and Anna travel the world fulfilling their passion for diving. Not far away, on the verdant Gaya Island, Phil and Iva encounter a local conservation specialist who has made it his life mission to be the voice of the animals and plants around him.10Look Where Your Dreams Can Take YouAfter an epic voyage around Borneo and Bali, Phil and Iva look back at the unforgettable adventures and Dreamcatcher stories. A journey where the destination was less important than the amazing landscapes and experiences they lived along the way. The Dreamcatchers share their personal wisdom and united, their voices echo in messages of profound inspiration.
Season Three (2019) Season three of Dreamcatchers was shot entirely in the Philippines and premiered in October 2019 on ABS-CBN's Metro Channel, before continuing to air around the globe. The "Malapacao" episode from the season was named a National Winner in the Asian Academy Creative Awards, and represented Philippines in the Best Lifestyle Programme category.