Local movie launched
Minister for Commerce, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya has called for more local filmmakers to create more movies to help grow the industry.
Speaking at the launch of Him – The Angry One, he said the production, with scenes shot around the capital city, Vatuwaqa and Lami, enabled more opportunities for local movie production.
The movie, shot in Fiji, and based on real life experiences, took over a month to produce, and employed 30 Fijians, Mr Koya said.
“Valued at $35,000, the production of Him – The Angry One was made possible through the support of Matrix Fiji, AP Legal, Life Cinema and Damodar Cinemas,” Mr Koya said. The movie was launched in Suva. “The audio-visual industry is increasingly becoming a critical industry, especially in economic recovery post-COVID.
“And as a COVID-contained nation – we have the freedom of movement, the freedom to safely resume opportunities like filming, at a time where major economies still have the highest restrictions.”
Mr Koya said Fiji’s COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce continued to work with relevant agencies such as Film Fiji, to set safe health and safety protocols.
The next Survivor Series
The US Survivor Series has commenced shooting Season 41 and 42 in Fiji, Mr Koya said.
“The US Survivor has a budget of over $91 million, and a spend in Fiji of approximately $30 million,” he said.
“They will employ 400 Fijian during the production.
“We may not have any of the big ‘wonder of the world’, but I’m sure we can all agree, we offer some of the world’s most precious sites, with established network of telecommunications and infrastructure that make us a production paradise, especially now.
“Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has unfavorably impacted the global and national economy including our daily lives, it has also become a driver of ingenuity and innovation. “Like never before, domestic filmmakers should become empowered to become agile participants in economic activities.
“By investing in our film-makers, we are adding to their capacity to succeed.”
It means local film-makers, lead actors and production houses have the opportunity to work alongside international film-makers boosting confidence within the industry, Mr Koya said.
Two more planned
Him-The Angry One was produced by Rasika Reshmi, an experienced film-maker who previously produced Enduring Hope.
“She is now venturing into a new project called LO4T (Loft),” Mr Koya said.
“She has planned to produce two movies every year, and is taking her journey as a local film-maker to the next stage.
“I look forward to more local movies being produced in the future, Mr Koya said.
“This movie tells us that there is a need for us to open up about substance abuse in our homes, schools and the wider community to overcome its countless adversities and tragedies,” he said.
“In the future, I hope local filmmakers create more movies to help grow the industry, similar to that of those involved in the production of Him – The Angry One.
Mr Koya said Ms Reshma tried to capture the struggle of a deportee and victim of substance abuse. “This movie is a memoir of a person’s encounter with a deportee.”