Historic fund to ‘empower’ Pacific storytellers

From script to screen.

A set of distinctively Pasifika stories have been given the greenlight to begin production as the first-ever Aotearoa New Zealand Pacific Regional Media Fund announced its six recipients last week.

Included among the projects are five documentaries and one short film, thanks to a creative initiative aimed at bringing together some of Aotearoa and the Pacific’s finest content producers and broadcasters.

What makes this milestone even more historic is that the projects will be shot in the Pacific Islands predominantly in indigenous languages with English subtitles.

NZ on Air (NZOA) project lead and proud Niuean Nicole Rex says it was a hard choice to nail down the final six due to the outstanding range of candidates who applied.

“We expected the calibre of applications to be strong and it was difficult to choose just six, but the quality of the storytelling is really exciting for the future of all the Pasifika producers that were involved in this kaupapa.

“It was all about working collaboratively and producing dynamic, digital-first content for Pasifika audiences in Aotearoa as well as abroad.”

Additionally, the productions were encouraged to set aside a fifth of their budget to incorporate original compositions by Pacific artists.

The initiative was run by NZOA in conjunction with Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL), which receives funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is part of an effort to strengthen ties between Aotearoa and the Pacific by supporting its media industry.

PCBL chief executive Natasha Meleisia says the collaboration opens doors for Pacific creators to hone their craft.

“These successful projects are a wonderful cross-section of stories from across the Pacific. They are captivating stories of wide interest, told by Pasifika creators in their voice and from their unique perspective.

“The NZ On Air fund has provided an opportunity for Pasifika producers to build on their craft and complement the work of the Pacific broadcasters in the region.”

The Six Projects

A Dollar to Dream is ascripted musical in Gagana Sāmoa about a young street vendor in Apia who is determined to provide for his ‘aiga.

This story addresses harsh realities of poverty in Sāmoa and the lacking welfare system, while also showcasing incredible musical styles of Sāmoa and its talented youth.

Two of the documentaries dive into historical issues within their respective nations.

The War Below: Restoring Hope in the Solomon Islands looks at the country’s experience following the World War Two bombing of Pearl Harbour, and the repercussions from battles fought between the Allies and Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands.

A story from the Cook Islands, Paradise in Peril, focuses on the dying lagoon of Aitutaki. It has been home to generations of local and migrant Polynesian people but due to rapid climate change and human effects, the lagoon is under threat.

The other two documentary projects delve into the family unit to explore thought-provoking and arguably contentious topics.

The Bride Price - Vanuatu examines the significance of an age-old kastom (custom) similar to arranged marriages. This story follows a couple grappling with the historical, cultural, and societal issues around the tradition.

Five families in Niue are centred in another production as they celebrate 50 years of self-governance. A father and son, a well-known actor, an opera singer, a scientist, and a Niue High School student give their voice on what it means to be Niuean in the docu-series, Children of Niue.

Finally, what’s a Pacific story without an entangled theme of sports, culture and custom?

Rugby Chiefs: Village Legends tells the story of the Tuilagi brothers’ rugby journey through the perspective of their fa’afafine sister Julie. Coming from one of the most recognised rugby families in the world, Julie has had to navigate her own challenges as a fa'afafine and devout Christian.

NZOA Chief Executive Cameron Harland says this initiative enables the “empowerment of Pasifika storytellers”.

“It’s a wonderful initiative we were very proud to be part of and each of the stories that have come from this are so compelling,

“This empowerment of Pasifika storytellers was made possible by the one-off $10m additional funding NZ On Air received in Budget '23. We are delighted both with the connections made, and the range and quality of content that will be coming for audiences."

Release dates are yet to be confirmed.

Funding decisions for each project

A Dollar to Dream, 1 x30’, Cadness Street for viewing on TV3 Samoa, Pasifika TV and The CoconetTV, up to $310,000.

Children of Niue (Working Title), 5 x 15’, Kingston Productions for viewing on Pasifika TV and BCN, up to $310,000.

Paradise in Peril, 1 x 60’, SunPix for viewing on Pasifika TV, ArauraTV and TP+, up to $310,000.

Rugby Chiefs: Village Legends, 1 x 45’, Kava Bowl Media, for viewing on TV1 Samoa and Pasifika TV, up to $310,000.

The Bride Price – Vanuatu, 1 x 44’, Great Southern Television for viewing on VBTC, Pasifika TV and YouTube, up to $310,000.

The War Below: Restoring Hope in the Solomon Islands, 1 x 44’, Nine Islands Media for viewing on Pasifika TV, Telekom TV and The CoconetTV, up to $309,996.