PASIFIKA FILM FEST OPENING - AUCKLAND

Last night the Pasifika Film Fest opened in Auckland and our Pacific community came out to support the inaugral event which was held at the Queen Street Event Cinemas.

They were treated to performances by the Groovehouse Family & Fine Fatale and were welcomed Hawai'ian style into the theatre by Hawai'an dance group 'Aruna' before watching the opening night feature - "Kumu Hina", a film about a transgender Hawaiian teacher who inspires a girl to lead the school's male hula troupe. 

Pasifika Film Fest Founder and Director Kalo Fainu notes, “The festival exists as a platform for storytellers of Pacific & Maori heritage to share their films on the big screen and to have the opportunity to have their art seen by large audiences. The PFF initiative is a place for the community to celebrate & take part in the diverse cultures of Oceania”.

Passionate about the Pacific community, NRL Wellbeing and Education Manager and Festival Co-Director Nigel Vagana adds, “It has been an awesome journey the last few years. I am really excited to bring it to NZ especially my hometown, Auckland. This is an opportunity to support, empower and showcase our talented film makers & artists across the world. This is something I am really proud of as it has the ability to tell stories that were passed down by the elders”.

Check out some of the pictures from the event below. 

Cook Islands Consul-General Rosie Blake & Tarita Puna 

 

Pasifika Film Festival Directors Nigel Vagana & Kalo Fainu with Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni 

 

Edward Peni with Hanelle Harris whose short film 'Promise of Piha' is being shown at the Pasifika Film Festival and Jade & Rik McNally 

 

Fine Fatale Creative Director & Choreographer Amanaki Prescott-Faletau & Pasefika LGBTQI Whanau Ora - F'INE Manager - Phylesha Brown-Acton

 

   Keonilei Leali'ifano, "Kapa Hula o Ke Ao Holo La" halau & Kumu Hina family/Ohana

 

  Auckland PFF Coordinators Olivia Taouma & Tai Paitai 

 

League Legends Ali Lauitiiti and Nigel Vagana on either side of Ali's wife Janina and niece Destiny Momoisea

 

CoconetTV & FreshTV crew L-R Lanita Ririnui-Ryan, Lisa Taouma, Mario Faumui, Crystal Earley, Elizabeth Koroivulaono, Emily Mafile'o & Paul Scheuer

 

Syah Folau performing with the Groovehouse Family

 

   Giant Killa performing 

 

Members of Fine Fatale performing

 

Check out more photos on the Pasifika Film Fest Facebook page

Watch the Pasifika Film Fest trailer here 

Full info on Auckland & Wellington Pasifika Film Fest screen times and features being shown here