Pollywood 5 – 2007

    pollywood07.thumbnail Pollywood 5 2007The Moving Image Centre Presents
    POLLYWOOD SHORTS FIVE07
    Curated by Craig Fasi.

    POLLYWOOD CELEBRATES 5 YEARS OF PACIFIC ISLAND SHORT FILM!
    Since 2002 Pollywood Shorts has gone from strength to strength. Pollywood Shorts started as “The Pacific Island short film night” held at The Moving Image Centre in 2001. Based on the production and availability of new Pacific Island short film, there was scepticism on an annual event says Craig Fasi, the curator of Pollywood, but now the programme has reached its fifth year!

    Pollywood Shorts FIVE07 showcases an electric selection of recent films made by our Pacific Island People. “Had there been no support from organizations like the Moving Image Centre, ongoing submissions from Pacific Island writers and directors as well as continued motivation from the community, Pollywood Shorts would have never made it this far”, says Mr. Fasi – “a big thank you to all involved in Pollywood’s journey!”

    Highlighting work from Niuean writer, Maree A Webster with her film Like Milk – a story inspired by actual events of a woman coming to terms with the colour of her skin and also docu; Brown is the Flavour. Samoan director, Miki Magasiva with his films, Uso – a comic coming of age story of two very close friends waiting for one important phone call and Rites of courage – a dramatic journey from the traditional Pacific Island boy to what it means to be a man in today’s everchanging society. Tiga e le Iloa by established director, Popo Lilo – which featured in the 2003 Sundance film festival in Toronto, is also featured in this years programme thanks to the NZ Film Commission. (see programme attached)

    This years Pollywood lineup is inspiring, enlightening, educating and entertaining with a definite unique Pacific Island flavour. Celebrating ethnic diversity and encouraging Pacific Island people to embrace their culture! Various directors will be available at each screening for a brief Q&A with the audience after the screening of the films. Supported by Celebrate Pasifika. MIC receives major funding from CNZ & ASB community trust

    POLLYWOOD SHORT FIVE07 Total Running time: 80min apprx

    Like Milk by Maree A Webster 8.5min 2006
    Drama The milk bath in the story was inspired by an actual event and so the story is based on a woman’s struggle to find her place in life and finds she cannot move on until she finally accepts the colour of her skin.

    A Samoan Tale by Sio Tusa Fa’aaefili 11.5min 2006 A young Samoan boy enjoys his chores and duties before a long awaited trip overseas. Little does he know that these days on the island, will be his last.

    Pa by Arnette Arapai & Boswell Haiosi 6min 2006
    Reality Roy Head is 82 years old and is of Niuean and English descent. He moved to New Zealand in 1943 and has remained in Parnell, Auckland ever since. He talks candidly of his life here, work, and marriage. Pa is relevant to our Pacific Island people of today in terms of acknowledging and validating our elders – so much youth of today tend to look forward not concerned with the past, ignoring the fact that the past is all a part of who we are today. It’s a brief snippet of his story spoken in Niuean with English subtitles.

    Ill Will by David Filoialii 13.5min 2006
    Taking the law into his own hands by killing one of the most dangerous organized criminals Dominic Carter (Joseph Filipo), John Andrews (Gerard Leafa) sits in jail and reflects on the family he once had. Faith Carter (Lynette Nelson), now widowed wife of the notorious criminal writes a letter to John entailing her view of the whole disastrous situation but within this letter lays a shocking truth, the missing pieces of the puzzle that leaves John’s mission of vengeance unfinished.

    Tiga e le Iloa / Hidden Pain by Popo Lilo 15min 2002
    Three Samoan boys face the harsh reality of living in a traditional Samoan family in urban Auckland.

    Rites of Courage by Miki Magasiva 4.5min 2005
    Through the traditional tattoo ritual entering into adulthood where he will face his greatest fears. We all face the same fears and challenges in an ever changing world. If we are too survive we must adapt with this new world still hold onto our tradition because ultimately we are all the same no matter where you come from.

    Brown is the Flavour by Maree A Webster 6.5min 2006
    The documentary is a reflection on the contribution or lack thereof, of Pacific Islanders in the film/television industry. It highlights where P.I’s are now and what needs to be done in order for more of our stories to be told. Apart from Selina (who is a University lecturer); all the interview subjects are successful in the film/television. It is hoped that this documentary will inspire our young P.I’s to look at this industry not just as actors but in all areas i.e writing, directing, camera, lighting and there is a real need especially for producers, of this white dominated industry, so that we may be able to tell our own stories our way and not the stereotypical way.

    Uso by Miki Magasiva 14.5min 2006
    Comic coming of age story of two very close friends waiting for one important phone call. Our heroes friendship is severely tested as their seemingly simple task escalates far beyond anything they ever imagined. However if this experience does anything it highlights how close they are as friends, how close they are as brothers.

    SCREENING TIMES

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