AISEA LATU : "Brutal Lives - Mo'ui Faingata'a"

What inspired you to get into acting and film?

I grew up in church with White Sunday plays, choir, action songs and cultural dances. I was usually a quiet and shy kid but if you got me on a stage or in front of an audience, I completely switched. Although I didn’t really have an interest in performing until after High School, thanks to my Dad. He signed me up to a performing arts course at a youth expo and during my studies it slowly turned into a passion.

Pacific people are storytellers. We carry our history through songs, movement and art. Knowing all of that and the fact that I was already doing it through church inspired me to give it a go and carry on telling our stories no matter how big or small. I’ve been passionate about it ever since and I’ve been doing it for 10 plus years now. Plus it’s pretty awesome seeing my son buzz out whenever I’m on a stage, on YouTube or TV.

You're in the new Tongan drama series called 'Brutal Lives - Mo'ui Faingata'a'. What attracted you to the role & to being involved in the series?

It’s Tongan. Full stop. When the idea was pitched to me I automatically thought, “This is tika (awesome)! A Tongan series with Tongan actors.” Growing up, there were plenty of stories with other cultures on TV but not much was Tongan. It’s only just recently where there has been a surge of Tongan stories. The Jonah mini series, For My Father’s Kingdom, The Legend of Baron To’a, but there’s nothing like Brutal Lives – Mo’ui Faingata’a. I had to get involved knowing that.

Can you tell us a little bit about the character you play in your own words?

Ben’s an egg. Nah jokes, he’s a complicated guy. He was pushed into the role of having to look out for his family at a young age after his father left. He’s taken the role quite seriously and takes pride in the fact that he’s the ‘man of the house’. But his pride has gotten him to the point where he’s a bit too fiepoto (botz/know it all). Despite that he still holds his Tongan values of respect and love above everything else and because of all of this he struggles with the fact that his father has returned. Is he happy? Angry? You just have to watch and find out lol!

What do you think Tongans will relate to or enjoy most in this series?

The Tongan language comes to life. I love hearing my language on stage and on screen. There are certain words and phrases that sound way better when spoken in Tongan so it was an amazing feeling getting to act and speak my mother tongue. Our people are hungry for relatable content so I think they should be excited for Brutal Lives. It’s another way of showcasing our beautiful culture and adding another layer to what people already know. It’s a Tongan story told by Tongan storytellers. Say less.

* Cover image and all 'Brutal Lives - Mo'ui Faingata'a' images - Photo Credit: Matavai Taulangau