Coco Talanoa — Entertainment / Page 1

 “Over the last years, I’ve lost 15 friends who are all wrestlers and fighters to addiction... I’m so happy we made this film. It is a love letter to those that I just talked to you about.”

With that reflection, Samoan actor Dwayne Johnson steps into history as the first Samoan to ever be nominated for a Golden Globe. 

After more than 60 films, his transformative turn as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine has earned him long overdue awards recognition and a place in the Golden Globes record books.

For Johnson, this moment is about far more than awards. “Mark Kerr had it all and lost everything, and has since become sober... Life is good because he’s sober and because he made it. And not everyone is that lucky. That’s the movie that we wanted to make: a nod to those who fight.”

Johnson is nominated for best performance by a male actor in a drama, with Emily Blunt also recognised for her supporting role. 

His journey with the film began seven years ago.…more

Pasifika creatives, craft and producers appear across nearly every major category at the 2025 New Zealand Television Awards, shining a light on the incredible growth for Islanders in the industry. 

From feature films to children’s shows, comedy, sport, factual programming and performance categories, our outstanding Pasifika talent is represented in different sectors throughout the finalist list.

For the nominees, the significance of that visibility runs deeper than individual achievement. Tongan Emmy Winning Costume designer Liz McGregor, a 2025 finalist for her work on The Convert, spoke about the long road to this moment:

 “I’m really proud of what we achieved… And I absolutely love that there is so much Pasifika talent being recognised in this year’s awards. The talent pool has always been there, but the opportunities to be able to rise to positions that allow us to be recognised haven’t been.”

Her experience reflects the reality for many Pacific creatives - years of work, often behind the scenes, now reaching the wider frame of the industry.…more

The first official teaser of Disney’s live-action adaptation of the beloved animated adventure, Moana has just dropped!

Moana (played by Samoan actress Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Seiuli Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.

The live-action film will also star Tongan actor John Tui as Moana's father Chief Tui, Samoan actress Frankie Adams as Moana's mother Sina, with legendary Maori actress Rena Owen playing Gramma Tala.

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In cinemas worldwide, July 2026!

Pacific artists were honoured at last night’s annual Creative New Zealand Pasifika Arts Awards 2025.
Creatives across all disciplines were celebrated in a night dedicated to Pacific excellence.

Award recipients included:

• Senior Pacific Artist Award: Anapela Polataivao

• Pacific Arts Business Award: The Coconet / Tikilounge Productions

• Pacific Heritage Arts Award: The Veiqia Project

• Pacific Toa Award: Tejit Records

• Pacific Contemporary Artist Award: Sofia Tekela-Smith

• Special Recognition Award: Anapela Polataivao

• Iosefa Enari Memorial Award: Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono

• Emerging Pacific Artist Award: Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson

Coco Correspondent Krit chats with 'Predator: Badlands' star Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi about training like a warrior, his rugby roots, and which part of Auckland really earns the title “the Badlands” 😂

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'Predator: Badlands' is in cinemas in New Zealand from November 6th! 🎬

Actor Luciane Buchanan shares the female perspective of Chief of War — from the women who inspired her portrayal of Kaʻahumanu, to embracing female rage, and receiving a special gift from artist Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studios.

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Interviewed by Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studios

Hawaiian Actor Moses Goods speaks of his life's work that has lead him to this role of 'Moku' in 'Chief of War' 

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Interviewed by Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studios

RNZ, in partnership with the Pan-Asian Screen Collective (PASC) and Pacific Islands Screen Artists (PISA), has announced the eight selected projects that will receive funding from the RNZ PASC PISA Development Fund.

This initiative, launched in early 2025, aims to help skilled Asian and Pacific storytellers realize their screen ideas. The response was overwhelming. A total of 67 submissions arrived from across the country, showcasing stories that reflect the rich creativity and cultural perspectives of Aotearoa’s diverse communities.

After a careful selection process led by industry experts and cultural advisors, eight standout projects—four from each group—have been awarded $20,000 in development funding. The aim is to prepare these projects for the next step: production funding, with RNZ supporting them as a platform.

RNZ Commissioner Tim Burnell emphasizes RNZ’s commitment to better represent Aotearoa’s diverse voices. “This fund helps great ideas move closer to becoming reality,” he said.…more

“As a Samoan, my experiences shape everything that I write. How I see the world through the eyes of a woman, mother and daughter. Challenge the way the world chooses to see me and others who look like me.”

Writer and actor Nora Aati makes a commanding entrance into the world of Pacific storytelling with her bold new short film I Am Not Your Dusky Maiden. Premiering at the 2025 Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival and selected as a finalist for Ngā Whanaunga Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best, the film is already making an impact.

“My name is Nora Aati, and I come from the villages of Safune, Faleasi’u, Falelatai, Manono, and Apia in Sāmoa,” she says. “I was born in Aotearoa and currently reside in Tāmaki Makaurau with my husband and five children.” Though she began as an actress, it was the lack of roles for Pacific women that led her to write her own.…more

Aalyana Teata Partsch

Hauora Advocate, Entrepreneur & Māmā

Aalyana is an entrepreneur and advocate for cultural connection, community empowerment, and indigenous wellbeing. As a daughter, wife, māmā, friend, and leader, Aalyana continues to weave her values of faith, honesty, aroha, and kaitiakitanga into every part of her life. This passionate trailblazer’s whakapapa connects her to the beautiful islands of Sāmoa and Tahiti.

She seeks opportunities to deepen her connection to her own cultural roots while embracing the wisdom of other indigenous traditions, believing that shared knowledge can help us heal, thrive and connect. As the founder of I Mahi Ora, Aalyana is leading a transformative initiative that reimagines health and wellbeing for Māori and Pasifika young adults through indigenous frameworks.…more