The announcement of Ngā Whanaunga: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best is here, and we’re proud to celebrate the Pacific talent featured in this year’s powerful selection. Out of 88 submissions, 13 films were chosen, with four of them involving members of PISA (Pacific Islands Screen Artists).

Congratulations to everyone involved in these standout projects:

🎥 Picking Crew

A subtle and moving exploration of Pasifika masculinity and where it intersects with queerness and cultural expectations.
Directed by Tanu Gago, a multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker born in Sāmoa and raised in Manukau. His work draws heavily on his South Auckland roots, focusing on gender, identity, and urban life.
The film stars Henry Auva’a, an actor with a background in theatre, film, and commercial work, who recently featured in the coming-of-age Polyfest film First Place.

🎥 Let’s Settle This

Directed by Jack Woon and produced by siblings Stallone and Abba-Rose Vaiaoga-Ioasa. The duo is known for creating self-funded Pacific films including 3 Wise Cousins, Hibiscus & Ruthless, and Take Home Pay. Usually, Stallone directs while Abba-Rose produces. But in this project, both take on producing roles, bringing their shared vision to life behind the scenes.

🎥 Puti

Written and directed by Aroha Awarau (Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Porou, Niue, Sāmoa), Puti tells the story of a young Māori girl in Tāmaki Makaurau who makes a heart-wrenching sacrifice for her whānau. It’s inspired by the real-life struggles of Māori and Pasifika youth.

The film is produced by Louisa Tipene Opetaia (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Sāmoa), founder of Glorious Productions. With over 25 years of international experience in media and PR, Louisa is dedicated to supporting Indigenous and migrant creatives.

🎥 I Am Not Your Dusky Maiden

This short drama follows Ala, a Samoan woman in therapy living with dissociative identity disorder. As she shifts between different versions of herself — from young Flo to fierce ancestor Puipui — she confronts her deepest trauma.

Directed by Tongan-Kiwi filmmaker Vea Mafile’o, known for Lea Tupu’anga / Mother Tongue and For My Father’s Kingdom, the film is written by and stars Nora Aati (Safune, Falelatai, Apia, Sāmoa), an actor and emerging writer committed to telling Pasifika women’s stories.
Produced by Karin Williams (Cook Islands Māori/Pākehā), a veteran of international documentary and Indigenous storytelling, the film also features actor Michael Koloi, a graduate of UNITEC’s performing arts programme.

These four films showcase the strength, creativity, and diverse voices of our Pacific storytellers. Don’t miss your chance to experience them on the big screen at NZIFF.

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By Tikilounge Productions & Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa
Arts & Culture Journalist Destiny Momoiseā