Inky Pinky Ponky Film - Get To Know Amanaki Prescott-Faletau

Amanaki Prescott-Faletau plays the main character Lisa in the upcoming CoconetTV original 'Inky Pinky Ponky' film.

Amanaki is an actor, writer, dancer, choreographer, producer and director of Tongan descent, living in New Zealand. As a playwright, she became the first fakaleitī to have her work published in New Zealand with Inky Pinky Ponky.

We caught up with Amanaki ahead of the upcoming release of 'Inky Pinky Ponky' here on the CoconetTV.

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What inspired you to write this story?

At the time we weren’t getting any work. Fresh out of drama school and still trying to find our feet in our industry. So we thought let’s make our own work. It’s what was taught to us at school.

How much is based on your own experiences?

A lot of the events that play out in this film are loosely based on true events of my own and my MVPFAFF sisters and their experiences.

What do you love about the character you play? 

I don’t love her lol she boring lol nah I guess after all the s**t she’s been through with her previous school she still manages to find the courage to stand up herself.

Who are your biggest creative inspirations and why? 

I have a few. Definitely Janet Mock, and all her work she did on ‘Pose’. I think work ethic wise it's always Queen Bey. I’ve seen all her behind the scene docos and how she preps for a show/album etc it's truly amazing and inspiring, her drive to be the best she can be. I grew up watching the works of Angela Bassett in ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It” Whoopi Goldberg in ‘The Color Purple’ and Anjelica Houston as Morticia Adams.

Did you always want a career in acting/writing?

No, to be honest, I’m a dancer at heart. Dance is what comes easy to me. I can do it with my eyes closed. I went to PIPA and we had to train in all sorts of art forms. That's when I found that I’m actually really dramatic and like to put it on paper or act it out.

What was one of your highlights working on Inky Pinky Ponky?

I think as a creator majority if the time you're hired for one thing. I was fortunate enough to experience BOSS life and have a say over a lot of things. To be a woman, brown and fakaleiti, to hold that much power is a wonderful feeling. It meant what I have to say is important.

What do you hope people will take away from Inky Pinky Ponky after watching?

That love is a feeling not a rule.

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