Pacific Islander Films & Entertainment
A list of films, documentaries and live performances primarily centered on Pacific Islander characters or life, past or present, where they play or present themselves, or which gives insight into their histories, range of cultures and peoples.
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- DirectorTaika WaititiStarsJames RollestonTe Aho Eketone-WhituTaika WaititiBoy, an 11-year-old child and devout Michael Jackson fan who lives on the east coast of New Zealand in 1984, gets a chance to know his absentee criminal father, who has returned to find a bag of money he buried years ago.Poignant, heart-touching, eye opening drama with brilliant touches of natural comedy and humor.
- DirectorToa FraserStarsJames RollestonLawrence MakoareTe Kohe TuhakaAfter his tribe is slaughtered through an act of treachery, the teenage son of a slain Maori chieftain looks to avenge his father's murder and bring peace and honor to the souls of his loved ones.The very first totally Maori language action film of ancient legendary times with an excellent performance by Lawrence Makoare of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit, James Rolleston of "Boy" and Rena Owen of "Once Were Warriors".
- StarsJennifer Ward-LealandTe Kohe TuhakaCohen HollowayFollows two cousins on their quest to find Maori brides within 6 months to fulfill the will requirements of their grandmother in order to inherit the family land holdings worth 47 million dollars.A "pseudo" reality TV show about two Maori men previously out of touch with their heritage who must pass tests, find and marry a Maori bride in order receive a multi-million inheritance from a relative. Favorite character: Frankie!
- DirectorArmagan BallantyneStarsIsaac BarberHato PaparoaMelanie Mayall-NahiWhen a mysterious stranger arrives in their isolated coastal town, 10-year-old twins, Kimi and Melody are forced apart. Kimi must find the strength to let go of what he loves the most.Poignant theme, the story of a 10 year olld boy and his twin sister set in the rural country of New Zealand. Totally engrossing and well done.
- DirectorDana RotbergStarsWhirimako BlackRachel HouseAntonia PrebbleA medicine woman - a giver of life - is asked to hide a secret which may protect one life but which will destroy another.A period piece about the quandary felt by mixed blood Maoris set against the racist background of New Zealand European settlers and discrimnatory treatment by full-bloods. Strong performances.
- StarsOscar KightleySam NeillHunter KamuhemuGritty and suspenseful, this award-winning drama probes the narcotics underworld of New Zealand's largest city and the toll it takes on those caught in its grip.Mini-series TV show about a Pacific Islander detective who returns to work after the suicide of his wife but naturally continues to struggle, especially as his daughter becomes more emotionally distraught.
- DirectorRene NaufahuStarsBeulah KoaleCalvin TuteaoJoseph NaufahuMinka is a teenage Polynesian boy living in the heart of the city. With his P-addicted mother well on the way to going completely off the rails, three people enter his life - each with a promise - each with the power to destroy.An emotional, intense "coming of age" drama about the adaptations, the substitutions children who have no childhood have to make to survive.
- DirectorLee TamahoriStarsRena OwenTemuera MorrisonMamaengaroa Kerr-BellA family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts.One of the most powerful films ever on the results of colonialism and the loss and regaining of indigenous identity. Brutal, heartbreaking and unforgettable.
- DirectorSteven RamirezStarsGeorge HenareRawiri ParateneJoe FolauWhen a storm washes a canoe bearing an infant boy ashore upon a small South Pacific island, he is at first well-received as a gift from the heavens, even to the point of the tribal chief adopting him as a successor.No Oscar-winning performances here but a fun, heart-touching story about enduring love and family for all ages.
- CreatorCarey CarterBradford HaamiStarsAntonio Te MaiohaCalvin TuteaoHori Ahipene30 minute dramas based on Maori legend. Introduced by Temuera Morrison.A series of episodes incorporating supernatural elements of Maori legends in contemporary storylines. Many guest appearances by Islanders who are now more well-known.
- DirectorJames Napier RobertsonStarsCliff CurtisJames RollestonKirk TorranceA brilliant but troubled New Zealand chess champion finds purpose by teaching underprivileged children about the rules of chess and life.Cliff Curtis in one of his best performances yet as a mentally and emotionally challenged Maori who tries to inspire his community youth through teaching them chess. Outstanding.
- DirectorPaul JanmanStarsFuta Helu'Atolomake HeluSisi'uno HeluAncient philosophy, opera and Tongan culture come together in this intimate portrait of a teacher, his school and his people as they navigate a sea of repression and doubt in a small but troubled Pacific island kingdom.Introspective, inspiring documentary providing insight into a culture few outsiders are fully aware of, if at all.
- DirectorTusi TamaseseStarsFa'afiaula SanoteTausili PushparajSalamasina MataiaSaili, a little person and taro farmer, has his life turned upside-down when he is denied his father's chiefly status and his family plantation is threatened.A film both emotionally complex and simple at times, difficult to watch then easy flowing due to the touching storyline.
- DirectorMartin ButlerBentley DeanStarsMungau DainMarie WawaMarceline RofitSet on a remote Pacific island, covered in rain forest and dominated by an active volcano, this heartfelt story, enacted by the Yakel tribe, tells of a sister's loyalty, a forbidden love affair and the pact between the old ways and the new.Love, war, grief, epic deeds and devotion exist as powerfully in other cultures as those of the non-indigenous majority, but seldom are "other" stories presented as being as relevant or interesting due to their different cultures and peoples. Glad to see more and more such films as Tanna.
- DirectorKatie WolfeStarsCalvin TuteaoNathalie BolttGeorge HenareAn apparently happy family man must reveal a lifelong secret - that he is gay.A husband faces a difficult yet ultimately liberating decision not only regarding his sexuality but his family's expectations of him as their next traditional leader.
- DirectorSam PillsburyStarsTemuera MorrisonLawrence MakoareJaime Passier-ArmstrongForces of tradition and tribal pride collide with government authority.Two very different Maori brothers have opposing views of how to lead their community after their father's death.
- DirectorKevin ReynoldsStarsJason Scott LeeEsai MoralesSandrine HoltLove between the representatives of two warring tribes changes the balance of power on the whole remote island.Not strictly an "Islander" film in the way of the others on this list, it is set on Easter Island with several fine Pacifica actors.
- DirectorPeter BurgerStarsGeorge HenareRawiri ParateneCalvin TuteaoA dramatization of the days leading up to 6 February 1840 when the gathered Maori leaders signed the Treaty of Waitangi, told in recreations and interviews with the participants and locals.Uncomfortable for some, necessary for all. A part of history.
- DirectorDean HamerJoe WilsonStarsLeo Anderson AkanaHaemaccelo KaluHo'Onani KamaiA transgender Native Hawaiian teacher inspires a young girl to fulfill her destiny of leading the school's male hula troupe, even as she struggles to find love and a committed relationship in her own life.A truly inspiring individual and story.
- DirectorTommy RossStarsAaron ChineThad MinnickA painter of Maori portraits from the 19th century.
- DirectorSimon BennettStarsOscar KightleyRobbie MagasivaShimpal LelisiFive years ago our heroes the Duckrockers thought they had figured it all out - they had found themselves girlfriends to take to Siones wedding and the future was looking bright: Michael had come to accept that commitment wasnt for him and he was always going to fancy white girls; Albert had finally hooked up with his co-worker Tania; Stanley, always the weird one, had managed to find himself a nice girl one of the catering staff from the wedding; and Sefa had even got the courage to propose to his long term girlfriend, Leilani. And Bolo? Well, apparently his name is actually Paul. Fast-forward five years and things havent quite gone as the boys might have planned: Albert is now married to Tania and they are living in suburbia, both working in insurance and also trying (unsuccessfully) to have a baby; Sefa and Leilani are still together and now have two kids although despite Sefas proposal, theyre still not married. And while Sefas business is falling apart, Leilani seems to be living life to the full; Stanley is now a trainee Deacon in the Future Church; Michael has moved to Australia but the boys dont hear from him often; and Bolo has thrown in his job with Sefa and taken up work with Sione, Michaels younger brother. Growing up appears to be driving the Duckrockers apart but when theyre confronted with one of lifes unexpected turns and Bolo goes missing, their Minister once again brings them together and sends them on a quest. Their mission: to find Bolo. Where do you start when you are looking for this one Samoan in the worlds largest Polynesian city? As they set off on the physical search for Bolo, each of the Duckrockers is also on a personal journey of sorts. But of course, the Boys being the Boys, the way they deal with things can only go wrongBoth are good, but I found this sequel funnier.
- DirectorChris GrahamStarsOscar KightleyHeto Ah HiShimpal LelisiFour raucous Samoans are banned from their best friend's wedding. To get in, they have to prove themselves as mature individuals by getting and keeping girlfriends.The introduction to Sione's troubles.
- DirectorGiacomo MartelliStarsAfa Pio TupuaJoshua Fuimaono WrightSina Fuimaono WrightSouth Pacific, present day. Fishing in a forbidden coral lagoon, a young Samoan father makes a shocking discovery. Its consequences will be determined by the struggle between his conscience and his cowardice.A short film, intense and powerful.
- DirectorTony VainukuErika CohnStarsLeva BloomfieldVita BloomfieldFihi Kaufusi"In Football We Trust" captures a snapshot in time amid the rise of the Pacific Islander presence in the NFL. Presenting a new take on the American immigrant story, this feature length documentary transports viewers deep inside the tightly-knit Polynesian community in Salt Lake City, Utah. With unprecedented access and shot over a four-year time period, the film intimately portrays four young Polynesian men striving to overcome gang violence and near poverty through American football. Viewed as the "salvation" for their families, these young players reveal the culture clash they experience as they transform out of their adolescence and into the high stakes world of collegiate recruiting and rigors of societal expectations.With many having outstanding natural athleticism and strength, more and more Islanders have been drafted into the NFL bringing greatly needed funds to their families but the culture clash can take its toll.
- CreatorElizabeth MitchellStarsDavid FaneMario GaoaOscar KightleyA modern day fairytale about five Auckland teenagers growing up in the big bad city, bro'Town chronicles the schoolboy misadventures of Vale, Valea, Sione, Mack and Jeff da Maori in a proudly suburban, non PC satire.An animated comedy series set in Auckland.
- DirectorChantelle BurgoyneStarsBeulah KoaleStacey LeiluaRobbie MagasivaTatau is about Siaki, an elderly Samoan man struggling to come to terms with the lifelong shame of having an incomplete traditional tattoo and the shame of now losing his sight. As Siaki's vision deteriorates, memories of the painful tattooing ceremony he underwent in his youth haunt him as he yearns to see his tattoo completed before it's too late.Non-natives are getting "Islander" inspired or actual tattoos left and right these days, but this short film shows how important they are to the culture, not just to look "cool."
- DirectorIan MuneStarsTemuera MorrisonRena OwenClint ErueraJake Muss' oldest son is killed in a gang fight and the younger son wants revenge, but Jake doesn't want to lose his other son to violence as well.Sequel to the smashing Once Were Warriors, though somewhat disjointed, it continues the Heke family's story.
- DirectorTaika WaititiStarsTammy DavisTaungaroa EmileRob MokarakaA squad of Maori troops in WWII Europe silently entertain themselves in a destroyed house while waiting to enter the coming battle.A unique short film, no dialogue at all but it "speaks" as Islander soldiers stuck under siege in WW2.
- DirectorGeoff MurphyStarsAnzac WallaceBruno LawrenceTim ElliottIn 1870, a Maori warrior working with the British finds his village massacred, and vows revenge.The complexity of duality.
- DirectorToa FraserStarsRuby DeeMia BlakeRene NaufahuA matriarch organizes a feast with her family, in which she will name her successor.A family comedy drama
- DirectorYvonne MackayStarsGeorge HenarePat EvisonTeraki TokorangiA mythological children's tale about the friendship between a deaf mute boy, Jonasi, and a rare white turtle.Similar story of The Legend of Johnny Lingo, and also suitable for the whole family.
- StarsEteuati EteTofiga Fepulea'iThese two comedic actors has since gone on to become international stars for their hilarious and insightful live-stage performances about Pacific Islander life. They continue to be in demand in 2015 with tours spanning continents.
- DirectorTammy DavisChris GrahamStarsTia MaipiStan WalkerKherington PayneComing of age tale told through the eyes of 'Tu', an ambitious young man from Auckland who dreams of being a professional hip-hop dancer.Common story: young guy wants to dance but against a parent's expectations for their future. A little romance, a little drama set against the hip-hop dance and music background with a Maori/Polynesian twist. A fun "feel good" film.
- DirectorTaika WaititiStarsSam NeillJulian DennisonRima Te WiataA national manhunt is ordered for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the wild New Zealand bush.One of my favorites, with terrific performances, with the quirkiness of the director firmly in place.
- DirectorLee TamahoriStarsTemuera MorrisonAkuhata KeefeNancy BrunningFrom the author of "The Whale Rider", a tale of family rivalry and reconciliation, set against the stunning backdrop of rural New Zealand in the 1960s.Reminded me very much of my own family, though I enjoyed the film just the same. A solid effort to present a complex family tale and compact so much information.
- DirectorAinsley GardinerCasey KaaRenae MaihiStarsTanea HekeRoimata FoxNgapaki MoetaraA powerful, challenging story surrounding the tangi (funeral) of a small Waru boy who dies at the hands of his caregiver and how his death impacts the community.
- DirectorStallone Vaiaoga-IoasaStarsSuivai AutagavaiaAnna-Maree ThomasLafitaga Mafaufau"No Going Out and No Boyfriends" - Hibiscus' obedience towards her Mum's rules is put to the test in her final year of University. As guys start to impress Hibiscus, she asks her childhood friend Ruth, to help keep her focused.
- CreatorAnnabelle Lee-HarrisStarsFrancis TipeneKaiora TipeneMaori funeral directors Francis and Kaiora Tipene and staff temper good humor with care and respect as they help Polynesian families cope with loss.
- DirectorStallone Vaiaoga-IoasaStarsNeil AmituanaiGloria BlakeSusana FanueliA young New Zealand Samoan man called Adam (Neil Amituanai) ventures to his motherland to try and impress his crush Mary (Gloria Ofa Blake), who claims she only likes "real" Pacific Island men.
- DirectorStallone Vaiaoga-IoasaStarsTofiga Fepulea'iVito VitoRonnie TaulafoTwo brothers; Alama and Popo, arrive for the first time in NZ as Seasonal Workers, making plenty of money to take back home to their family in Samoa. But things take a turn for the worst when Popo steals Alamas' money and runs away. Alama is determined not to return home empty handed, but the only relative that answers his call for help is Bob Titilo; an aspiring private investigator in his 40s. Alama begins to doubt his decision when Bob's unconventional methods take them on a wild goose chase. This New Action Comedy is brought to you by the Makers of hit Comedies; Three Wise Cousins and Hibiscus and Ruthless.
- DirectorAinsley GardinerBriar Grace SmithStarsRachel HouseChelsie Preston CrayfordCohen HollowayEntwines the very different lives of three Maori girls, cousins, through tumultuous decades, after one of them is taken from her family and raised in an orphanage.
- DirectorJude WengStarsKea PeahuAlex AionoLindsay WatsonA summer in rural O‘ahu takes an exciting turn for two Brooklyn-raised siblings when a journal pointing to long-lost treasure sets them on an epic adventure with new friends, and leads them to reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage.