‘Just press record’: Tuvaluan creator preserves elders’ stories and culture

What do you do when the stories of your grandparents risk disappearing?

For Auckland-based Tuvaluan content creator Pelenita Malaga, the answer is simple: “just press record”.

Malaga, also known as “5a__creates”, has launced a digital docuseries capturing the life journeys, traditional skills, and memories of their grandparents before they faced with time.

The project aims to build a permanent archive of Tuvaluan heritage for future generations.

Hailing from Vaitupu, Tuvalu, Malaga began the project after an eye-catching trip to Levuka in Fiji.

Immersed in village life, they realised that hearing stories was not enough, but also experiencing culture first-hand highlighted the importance of documenting the elders’ voices.

Watch Pelenita Malaga’s full interview on PMN Tuvalu below.

Speaking with Fala Haulangi on PMN Tuvalu, Malaga says their current heritage preservation project is a “digital footprint” seeking to create a permanent archive of the Tuvaluan experience.

“It's always been like something I've wanted to do. What inspired me to actually do it was my time in Levuka, Fiji. I was in the village and I saw how people were moving and living. I just really understood what my grandparents said to me,” Malaga says.

“I heard it but I've never actually experienced it. But when I experienced it there, I brought it back with me here and I wanted to hear my grandparents' story. So there's always something to look back on, to hear their voice and hear them tell their stories. It'll be there forever for us to watch.”

Back in Aotearoa New Zealand, Malaga started recording their grandfather Uelese Malaga and grandmother Teuke Malaga.

The docuseries traces their journeys from Vaitupu and Nauru, their meeting, and eventual move to New Zealand.

Footage includes intimate daily moments, traditional handicrafts, and carvings, giving viewers an up-close look at Tuvaluan life.

Malaga says capturing these memories is emotionally powerful.

“[While] recording them, I was just watching them experience these things again. There were tears, talking about their parents and the life that they had to leave behind.

“I was very touched by watching them experience it again, being a child, just seeing the things that they saw. Once they're gone, their stories are gone with them. [So] it's important to get that information now before it's too late.”

Malaga says capturing these moments is emotionally powerful.

“That's what my mother suggested. She was like, ‘maybe you should write a book about their life’. I think I prefer doing videos. Whatever you feel comfortable with doing pretty much. And just listen to them.

“I let them talk but when they do get stuck, that's when I come in and ask them questions and it brings them back. There's not many of us Tuvalu content creators.

“If you do want to be a content creator just post and be confident in yourself. There will be negative feedback so be ready for that.”

Looking ahead, Malaga plans to accompany their grandparents to the upcoming Tuvalu Arts Festival in Funafuti,, working alongside reporter Malama T-Pole to cover media-related events.

The docuseries will continue to highlight Tuvaluan cultural practices, emotional legaciesm and the resilience of Pacific elders.