Pacific short films - Doc Edge Film Fest 202

As part of the Documentary Edge International Film Festival amazing line-up, there are two incredible Pacific short films that you can now watch from the comfort of your home FREE!  Check out more information on both the films below and click here for access to the full 2020 Doc Edge Film fest online. 

All short films in the festival are free thanks to Chorus and are available from 12 June – 5 July.

'Ofeina'o Lesieli

'Ofeina'o Lesieli (trailer above) 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 journey, 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.

Click here to watch 'Ofeina'o Lesieli 

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Becoming Masina 

Lusi Faiva is the subject of the short film Becoming Masina which touches on her journey of breaking boundaries in the theatrical world as a disabled Samoan dancer and actor. The film takes us behind the scenes into the creation of her latest project 'Masina Returning Home'. Lusi was commended at the 2019 Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards for her long-established dance career, outstanding advocacy for inclusive dance, and commitment to continue learning, teaching, collaborating and contributing. She has been involved in the performing arts world for more than 29 years and was the founding member of Touch Compass in 1996. 

Click here to watch Becoming Masina 

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NZ's first digital international film festival starts streaming nationwide, from this Friday 12 June to 5 July.

Click here and scroll down to the MOANA WHĀRAHI | Films from the Pacific