Pacific voices lead the story: New film brings climate reality and culture to the big screen

A new Pacific animated film is turning lived experience into powerful storytelling with communities speaking for themselves about climate change, culture, and identity.

Guardians of Tomorrow, Stories of Land, Sea, and Sky brings together voices from seven Pacific nations with 60 per cent of the film told in indigenous languages.

Built over two years, the film draws on songs and stories written by communities in Sāmoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, Kiribati, and Tuvalu.

Many of those voices come from grandparents, church groups, and families - people whose stories are not mostly seen on screen.

Director Herman Aviu tells PMN Tonga that is exactly why the film matters.

“The importance of putting this film together is that these stories matter, our languages matter, and our children deserve to see themselves reflected with dignity and beauty on the big screen.”

Produced by Pacific Kids Learning (PKL), the film follows young guides ‘Alisi and Semisi as they travel through the region, sharing stories of land, sea, and sky - and the growing impact of climate change on Pacific communities.

One of the most powerful moments comes from Tuvalu.

Written by Saute Boreham, the story is inspired by Cyclone Pam, which damaged a cemetery and caused ancestors’ remains to be washed away.

Watch Herman Aviu and Tatiana Marich's full interview below.

Guardians of Tomorrow is a deeply personal account that reflects a wider truth - Pacific nations are among the least responsible for climate change, yet face some of its harshest impacts.

First Secretary of the Tuvalu High Commission Wellington Niuone Eliuta says telling these stories is vital for the generation.

“It’s very important for our communities to keep telling our stories so that our children can continue to learn their mother tongue as well as to remember our stories,” Eliuta said in a statement.

PKL Director Tatiana Marich says the goal is not just to create content but to hand the platform back to the people.

“These stories don’t belong to us, or PKL,” Marich tells PMN Tonga. “We're just about giving that platform to people who are naturally talented and they want to share their stories, songs, and dances with everybody and preserve them.”

PKL Founders (from left) Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson, Evo Leota Tupou, and Tatiana Marich. Photo/Laura-Rose Wiechern/Supplied

Guardians of Tomorrow also makes a clear choice to centre language. Most of the dialogue is in Pacific languages, with English subtitles - a move organisers say ia bout protecting and growing language use.

PKL co-founder and Education Director Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson says this was intentional.

“The film prioritises Indigenous Pacific languages, with all content subtitled in English,” she said in the film’s release statement. “This extensive use of language is a conscious decision to promote and revitalisation of Pacific languages.”

Guardians of Tomorrow premiered to a crowd of 300 people on Friday, 10 April at the Due Drops Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland.

PMN CEO Don Mann, who was interviewed at last year’s PKL showcase, said projects like Guardians of Tomorrow are mana-enhancing.

“It’s learning new technology, it’s being inquisitive, it’s understanding identity, it’s self-determination, and preservation of language,” he said.

For Aviu, the film is about honouring the people behind the stories.

“These storytellers, our Sunday school singers, grandparents, aunties, and uncles, have not come through a traditional pathway, and it’s critical that their authentic narratives are brought to life.

“We wanted to honour the stories that have been shared with us, these are treasures. We’re just so privileged to be entrusted to do this work.

“The title, Guardians of Tomorrow, speaks straight to the responsibility and the next generation. But it also speaks to all of us. We are guardians of stories, guardians of language, and guardians of memory.”

Guardians of Tomorrow, Stories of Land, Sea, and Sky will screen at HOYTS Cinemas as part of EcoFest. Stream all PKL digital content here.