LILIU - A Short Film - 5 minutes with Director Jeremiah Tauamiti
Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Short Film Programme has been screened all over Aotearoa as part of the NZ International Film Festival. They have some amazing short films playing as part of their line up this year including the Pasifika Short film 'Liliu' directed by Jeremiah Tauamiti and produced by Ngaire Fuata. Jeremiah is also the only New Zealand director with TWO films in NZIFF this year.
What is the story about and why were you compelled to make it?
Liliu is a short film about a young Samoan court interpreter named Solo, who works for the native courts that took place in colonial Samoa post WWI. Solo does what he thinks is best for his people, but when an older Woman chief is charged, Solo finds out what really speaking up, and having a voice means.
I really wanted to make this film, because historically our people are still feeling the effects cinematically of stereotypical narratives and mindsets. As far as history and cinema, you won't find many dramas about any Pacific stories, in particular, made by us so it's important to me that we as a people take control of our narratives, and that they be entertaining, truthful and accurate. The Pacific is one of the last places in the world that cinematically, is still untapped. We have to change that - us.
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Why is it important that these parts of our Pacific history are brought to screen?
If we can't control how we're seen or portrayed on screen, then we can't complain if others are doing it. It's important because spiritually no one can take these stories away from us. As Pacific people, our future cinematically transcends box office and critical success. They stay with us and our children forever. That's the difference between us, and others who come from outside and do it. These stories are in our blood, oral story telling on the screen, that way our cultures can survive, and young people especially can take it in, and remember it. It's getting harder and harder to find out the truth today, with virtually anyone being able to post online what they think. We have to be responsible.
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What does Liliu bring as a point of difference to the raft of Pasifika films that are currently out?
Historically, I can't recall a Samoan drama period being made for screen, in particular film which is what I love. The themes in Liliu also are really relevant for today. Issues of land ownership, Matai titles, woman of power, these are all relevant today. I don't know of many films that touch on all of these, I could be wrong, I hope I am, but we need to remember more than ever what makes Samoa different, unique, strong. I hope this film resonates with our people for those reasons.
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Why is it important that stories from the Moana get made?
Right now our people have to remain strong in their identity. Too often, we're actually getting lumped in with other minorities for the sake of PC inclusion. We are unique, with our own strengths and weaknesses. We can only move forward knowing the battles that have already been fought, and continue to fight. Being from the Moana lets me know how to deal with different situations, but I still have lots to learn because I come from a New Zealand born perspective, and that's not always right. If I can get it right myself first, then I have the right how to lead others on how my people should be represented on screen.
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How hard is it to make a short film in NZ?
If you go the traditional route, with funding it's hard. If you don't, it's still hard haha I know I've done both a couple of times. No matter what route you take, you're accountable to different bodies of funding, or people that have supported you, because you will need help no doubt. But it's worth it. No-one can take away the feeling of people connecting, or being emotional during and after a screening. For me it's all about making 'legacy work'. Work my kids can look back on one day and say, 'yeah my old man made that.' Or something my parents can look back and say 'well done'. The most important step though, is story. Getting that right and surrounding yourself with honest critics, you're half way their. I have good friends, that will tell me, 'that's rubbish' or my dad who'll say 'A'e sole, leai ua sēsē', and when you can take that feedback and go again at the writing stage, and again, and again, it makes you a better writer.
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What is your fave film of all time and why?
Braveheart, I even snuck in a little line from the film in Liliu haha. My homage to Mel Gibson. The film had everything, drama, romance, action, humour. Closely followed by the cultural authenticity and rawness of Blood in Blood out - vato.