Trespass allegation in film production

The film crew was reportedly from SBS Korea and AHTV China

The Lessees of an island near Malo allegedly visited by an international film crew to do filming has resulted in the demand of Vt5 million ((F$ 97,222.61) from Vanuatu Tourism Office ( VTO) for trespass on the leased land. The ultimatum of Vt5 million (F$97,222.61) or face a civil lawsuit was made by the lawyer for the Lessees of Malotina Island, Clifton Rau of Jack Kilu Lawyers. The Registered Lessees of Malotina Island are Jacob Hakwa, Tony Moli Hakwa, and Bradley Aisinamoli Hakwa. Located near the island of Malo on Santo, Malotina is a registered lease island under the title 04/3424/002. Tony Moli Hakwa as the spokesperson for the registered lessees said they were not consulted nor entered into any agreements nor receive any payments from filming that was done on their properties.

Footage confiscation

The film crew was reportedly from SBS Korea and AHTV China for the Korean reality show- Laws of the Jungle. A similar letter demanding confiscation of all footage shot on the island, has been sent to the Vanuatu Cultural Centre.

In its letter to the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, Mr Rau of Jack Kilu Lawyers alleged: “It is our view that SBS has breached clause 3 (a), (c), (d) and (e) of the agreement as they did not rec- ognize the proprietary rights of our clients. “We therefore demand you to confiscate all footage that were shot, failure to do so will result in legal action against all stakeholders involved in the filming arrangement and actual shooting on Malotina Island.” After being granted a film permit and having paid an authorisation fee of Vt300,000 (F$5833.36) to the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, SBS and AHTV allegedly brought in around 100 film makers and cast members who reportedly stayed in Vanuatu for 14 days, Daily Post was told. This film show, according to information obtained online normally involves a cast of celebrities.

Vanuatu Daily Post