Coco Talanoa — Entertainment / Page 6

In the wake of the Christchurch earthquake, sassy Samoan mother Mareta mentors her newly formed school choir to The Big Sing final.

In NZ Cinemas Feb 11th 2025. Starring Anapela Polataivao, Antonia Robinson, Beulah Koale, Dalip Sondhi & Nicole Whippy

#TinaTheFilm #MikiMagasiva #AnapelaPolataivao

Cook Islands theatre is making waves on the New Zealand stage, and at the heart of this movement are two passionate creatives: Poe Tiare Tararo and Roy Iro. Their latest collaboration, Raru e Maruakaītā, a play based on a traditional Cook Islands fable, will debut at Te Pou Theatre in Henderson this November. 

Both Tararo and Iro are dedicated to bringing stories from their Cook Islands heritage to the forefront of theatre, creating a space where myths, legends, and contemporary experiences are celebrated.

Poe Tiare Tararo, the playwright and lead actor in Raru e Maruakaītā, has long been driven by the desire to preserve and share the stories of the Cook Islands. For her, theatre is more than just a form of artistic expression; it's a way to keep her culture alive. 

"I have always felt a responsibility to write about the stories that my grandparents and ancestors passed down.…more

Edenfest, Promiseland, Souled Out—massive line-ups, featuring some of the biggest international stars. But who’s behind these iconic festivals?

Pacific Island men, that’s who. It’s no surprise that such incredible events have emerged from our very own Polynesians, who are known for their talent and hard work.

In this case, the mastermind behind Festco AU is Bernard Kumar alongside the wider OG Festco team.

Emal Naim, the backbone of the company, Alex McDonell the Talent Agent that makes the big connections, and his Samoan Co-Founder who prefers to remain anonymous-but has been Bernard’s partner from day 1.

Hailing from Samoan, Fijian-Indian heritage, Bernard's rise from modest beginnings to a key player in the entertainment world is one for the books. Maybe even for Netflix one day. 

From growing up in the islands, to running some of the most successful concerts in Australasia. He remembers his day’s as a young kid in Fiji.…more

The Hawaiian Film Festival proudly celebrates its 44th year of promoting, educating, and showcasing filmmakers from the Asia-Pacific region. This year, the Festival will take place from October 2nd to November 10th across eight locations and islands.

The 2024 lineup features a star-studded selection of Pacific and local talent, including the highly anticipated world premiere of TINĀ, directed by Samoan-born, Aotearoa-based filmmaker Miki Magasiva.

TINĀ

is an inspiring, light-hearted yet rhythmic tear-jerker that tells the story of Samoan teacher Mareta Percival. Struggling after the death of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes, Mareta reluctantly takes on the role of substitute teacher at an elite, all-white private school. She finds that the seemingly privileged children are crying out for guidance, inspiration, and love. Drawing from her cultural roots, Mareta empowers her students by forming a choir, all while facing bias from a privileged community intent on keeping her in her place.…more

Celebrity Treasure Island is BACK and the cast includes a cohort of Pacific household names!

Bubbah - Samoan

Bubbah the comedian/writer/actor from South Auckland known for her crack up videos online, and backyard comedy shows put on for her beloved Saute Aukilani - and of course Tina from Turners! She’s taken mainstream media by storm with her most recent appearance in Taskmasters NZ. 

Bubbah is supporting the Pillars Charity “I chose Pillars NZ because they do mean as mahi with children of prisoners. A lot of their work is done with love and care in facilitating a space for families to grow and heal while their family members serve their prison sentence.…more

To celebrate NZ Music Month, Auckland Council presents 'Ka Mua Ka Muri'! Ka Mua Ka Muri is a whakataukī/māori proverb that loosely means to walk backwards into the future. This is referencing knowing where you’re from to know where you’re going.

Now in its third year, Ka Mua Ka Muri is a web series of music performances and interviews with Auckland musicians and songwriters working mostly in the underground/ fringes of the Tāmaki Makaurau music community.

Shot in the second-floor basement of the Auckland Central City Library, providing an intimate environment and a juxtaposition to the typical live performance venues.

Four Pasifika artists have been highlighted as part of this year's line-up, and they'll take to the stage at Kāhui St David's Church for a free, live performance for everyone to enjoy!

Sam V

Winner of 2023 Pacific Music Awards - Best Pacific Soul/RnB artist, Sam V is perhaps the finest male RnB voice in Aotearoa.…more

Hawaiian actor Jason Momoa had previously hinted that he is no longer on the market, but a new Instagram post has revealed his relationship with Puerto Rican actress Adria Arjona.

The actor posted pictures from a trip in Japan, where he can be seen embracing his new romantic partner, captioning the Instagram carousel, "Japan, you are a dream come true... sharing another amazing adventure with mi amor"

Momoa's new relationship comes two years after he and ex-wife Lisa Bonet announced their separation after more than 10 years together.

Despite their break-up, the exes have continued to co-parent their two kids: Lola, 16, and Nakoa-Wolf, 15.

#ReFresh But we can't forget when our very own Pani tried to make moves on the Aquaman actor😂

And when Uncle Sam questioned him about his lead role in the DC Studios movie

But did ya know...? Get to know our young artists SPDRTWNBBY, Junior Soqeta and Ruby Coley as they round off some of our rapid fire questions about their journey and tastes in music 🎶🌺

Credits
Director: Brianna Fruean
Camera: Jason Crane
Sound: David Green
Editor: Sefa Taouma
Talent: Spdrtwnbby, Ruby Coley, Junior Soqeta

The Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK) proudly presented PEAK Conversations - a celebration of Pasifika filmmaking, entertainment, and community, sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios.

A talanoa with panelists, celebrating the breakthroughs of Pasifika women and reflecting on issues specific to their journeys in the entertainment industry.

The panelists included Auli’i Cravalho (“Moana” and “Mean Girls” actress), Sasha Colby (Winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”), and Naomi Scott (Founder of Great Scott Productions) with moderator Dana Ledoux Miller (“Moana 2” and “Thai Cave Rescue” Screenwriter).

“Last night made me feel like I’m truly making my mark here in Hollywood. It’s interesting for me to reflect on the fact that a year ago at this event, I knew less people than I could count on one hand..So much affirmation and love was poured into me by how I feel I naturally show up in the world and it made me feel so seen.…more

Today marks the start of TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA 2024 (NZ Music Month), with AMPLIFYING AOTEAROA | PAOROTIA AOTEAROA the key theme across this year’s event. The month of May will shine a light on those who are the heartbeat of our nation’s music scene, celebrating everyone who helps amplify music from Aotearoa.

This year’s TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA will look a little different, with a fresh sub-theme each week. Week one will see the amplification of people who make lives better through music, followed by week two, amplifying schools’ through education. Week three will amplify artists on the world stage, before week four, with innovation and new ways of doing things amplified. The month will close with week five, amplifying community and our local and independent champions.

There is something for everyone and many events and activities right across Aotearoa.…more