title: Tavake

status: Released

overview: Set in the Kingdom of Tonga (South Pacific Islands), this film looks at the influence and encroachment of western culture as shown in the relationship of a young man and his traditional father.

title: Tavake

character: Tavake

type: Cast

character: Mohokoi

character: Mother

character: Friend 1

character: Friend 2

character: Market Man

character: Kava Man 1

character: Kava Man 2

character: Girl at Kava

job: Writer

department: Writing

type: Crew

job: Director

department: Directing

original_title: Tavake

original_language: to

production_countries: TO US


title: 'Ofeina'o Lesieli

'Ofeina'o Lesieli - Teaser Trailer

site: Vimeo

type: Trailer

overview: 'Ofeina'o Lesieli "I Love You, Lesieli" is a documentary short film set in the capital city of Nuku'alofa which takes place in the Kingdom of Tonga - A tropical country situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. This idyllic, tropical country is often coined ‘The Friendly Islands’ due to the hospitality and charm of its residents. Here we spend a day in the life of Lesieli, a bright and loveable young Tongan woman living with Down Syndrome.  After having discovered a passion for table tennis, Lesielis’ life has become blessed in new and exciting ways. Along the way, we meet Lesielis’ committed mother Alisi and her caring table tennis coach Simote. Both of these beautiful souls play essential roles in Lesielis’ world. Things begin to get complicated when Alisi reveals the heart of the story. Their first-hand experience with the locals' belief in magic and how this notion negatively impacts people living with disabilities, both in Tongan society and other pacific islands.

title: 'Ofeina'o Lesieli

original_title: 'Ofeina'o Lesieli


title: You, the Choice of My Parents

type: Backdrop

type: Poster

You, the Choice of My Parents

key: JCkLXszGjoM

site: YouTube

type: Featurette

overview: A poetic journey through the life of a woman going through an arranged marriage, animated on traditional Tongan Cloth called Ngatu.

title: You, the Choice of My Parents

character: Narration

job: Translator

department: Crew

job: Sound Recordist

department: Sound

job: Music

original_title: You, the Choice of My Parents


title: Nyami Nyami and the Evil Eggs

name: Nyami Nyami and the Evil Eggs - offical trailer

overview: Based on the traditional story of Nyami Nyami, the snake god of the waters of the Zambesi. An evil divinity emerges from the river and the population of a village plagued by drought remain spellbound by it. The women who had intercourse with him will give birth to demonic eggs. The goddess Nyami Nyami, who has the power to save her people, sends a messenger to the village to fight the demon.

title: Nyami Nyami and the Evil Eggs

job: Director of Photography

department: Camera

original_title: Nyaminyami Amaji Abulozi

production_countries: PL ZW


title: The Healer and the Psychiatrist

overview: On the South Pacific Island group of Vava’u, the traditional healer Emeline Lolohea treats people affected by spirits. One day away by ferry, the only Tongan Psychiatrist Dr Mapa Puloka has established a public psychiatry well known across the region. Although the two healers have never met in person, this film creates a dialogue between them on the nature of mental illness and spiritual affliction - and the shared obstacles they face in providing their services to the people in need. Their commitment and transformative communication offers challenges and opportunities to help address the growing global mental health crisis.

title: The Healer and the Psychiatrist

title: Dziednieks un psihiatrs

job: Producer

department: Production

job: Editor

department: Editing

original_title: The Healer and the Psychiatrist


title: 'Aho'eitu

overview: Based on the Legend of, `Aho`eitu from the Pacific Island of Tonga, 'Aho'eitu leaves his mother to find his father Tagaloa in the heavens. On his quest he finds out that he also has brothers, but will 'Aho'eitu be accepted by them and who will become heir as the first King, the first Tu'i Tonga!

title: 'Aho'eitu

character: Talafale

character: Vaepopua

character: 'Aho'eitu

character: Tangaroa

job: Cinematography

original_title: 'Aho'eitu

production_countries: NZ TO


title: The Legend of Kava Tonga

overview: The legend of Kava Tonga has come to life. In a harrowing story of love, loyalty and sacrifice, this short film gives you an insight into the importance of Kava to the Tongan culture.

title: The Legend of Kava Tonga

original_title: The Legend of Kava Tonga


title: Hounga'ia - Be Grateful

overview: It takes a village to raise a child, let alone one living with a disability. Mele show’s us how Haloti’s village wraps around him in support.

title: Hounga'ia - Be Grateful

original_title: Hounga'ia - Be Grateful

title: Hounga'ia

country: TO

title: Be Grateful

country: US


title: Sir Sofele

overview: Experience the story of the Polynesian composer knighted by Pope John Paul II in a feature length documentary that follows his life, music and the peoples impacted along the way.

title: Sir Sofele

original_title: Sir Sofele

title: Sir Sofele Kakala