Tuvaluan director champions Pacific voices in new film, Bati

Tuvaluan filmmaker Andrew John Fakaua Ponton is set to launch his first feature film, Bati, at the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) in August.

The film will premiere in Auckland on 9 and 10 August, followed by screenings in Christchurch on 17 and 22 August, and Wellington on 24 August.

After its festival debut, Bati will hit theatres in Fiji and Sāmoa on 21 August, and in Papua New Guinea on 4 September.

Ponton says the film is “very much targeted towards the Pacific Island community.”

Bati is a boxing drama set in Fiji’s capital, Suva.

In an interview on PMN Tuvalu, Ponton says the story revolves around a young iTaukei couple working to create a stable life in the city, but facing financial struggles.

“The main character works as a security guard and trains as a boxer at night to support their household,” he says.

The title Bati means ‘warrior’ in Fijian and refers to the border between villages, where these warriors would stand guard.

The film was shot in various locations around Suva and the Namosi region, including boxing gyms and a home in Cunningham.

One of the unique settings featured is the Namosi Eco Retreat, known for its traditional thatched-roof architecture.

The casting process was done locally through social media, with a call for auditions shared on Facebook and Instagram.

“It was important to show the sights and sounds of Fiji,” Ponton says.

“We posted a callout on Facebook and Instagram and held auditions at the Fiji Museum. Twenty-four people came. We selected the main actors from that group.”

While no Tuvaluans auditioned, Ponton says interest grew after the film’s trailer was released. About 90 per cent of the film is in English, with the rest in Fijian.

Watch Andrew John Fakaua Ponton's full interview below.

Ponton’s passion for filmmaking started at a young age when he was around 10 or 11 years old.

“One of those early projects landed me in film school. It made it into several festivals and helped me grow as a filmmaker,” Ponton says.

“I’d love to return to Tuvalu and make a feature there one day.”

During the premiere screening in Auckland, the lead actor from Suva will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A session with the audience.

Watch the Bati film trailer below.