ISLAND PARADISE
Pasifika film fest sails into Welly
If you haven’t had a chance to escape Wellington for an island paradise this summer, the sounds and stories of the Pacific are coming to you.
The Pasifika Film Festival is being hosted in the capital for the first time. It will be based at the Embassy Theatre from tomorrow through to Sunday.
The festival began in Sydney in 2013 as a way to showcase and inspire Pasifika stories and narratives through film, with the hope of empowering people to explore their links to Pacific culture.
Spearheading the festival is rugby league legend and codirector Nigel Vagana, who says storytelling is in the bones of Pacific people as it is something inherited from their ancestors.
‘‘History tells us that we have a strong oral tradition: our ancestors, our grandparents and even our parents are natural storytellers and narrators of their own unique journeys,’’ he says.
‘‘To be able to help facilitate the telling of our stories as Pacific people through this festival and film, is particularly special and we hope people walk out inspired to harness their creative side.’’
As well as showcasing feature films, short films and documentaries, the festival has a children’s section, called Niu Kids On The Block, to cater for the whole family.
The documentaries raise issues that affect Pacific populations, such as climate change and identity.
The festival is entirely run by volunteers.
Vagana says he came on board to help showcase aspiring talent and share his culture with the world.
‘‘I wanted to support our filmmakers and artists that probably didn’t get the recognition they deserve, and break a few stereotypes.’’
‘‘We’ve got great producers, actors, screenwriters but, for the most part, the stereotype is that we’re only achieving in sports.’’
Most of the festival entries won’t be screened in New Zealand again, as the film-makers don’t have the capacity to do big screenings, he says.
Wellington Mayor Justin Lester, who also holds Wellington City Council’s arts portfolio, says it is a fitting opportunity for the city to host the festival as the creative capital of New Zealand.
‘‘Not only do we have a really unique arts community and environment but we have a strong Pacific population, so this is very exciting.’’
The Pasifika Film Festival runs from tomorrow to Sunday, at Embassy Theatre.
For tickets, visit: pasifikafilmfest.com/buytickets