Telesia Tanoa’i champions climate justice through film

At just 18 years old, Telesia Tanoa’i is already a remarkable voice in the world of storytelling.

Her debut documentary, Telesia 2 the World, recently premiered on YouTube after a successful run at international film festivals throughout 2024.

The Wellington-based film-maker, who has Sāmoan and Fijian backgrounds, has had an impressive journey. At 16, she showed her skills in the Chinese Bridge Global Speech Competition, ranking in the top five among 110 students from around the world.

Her film received a warm reception, being selected for 17 international festivals and earning several awards, including Best Young Filmmaker and Best Student Film at events in New Zealand, the United States, and Australia.

In an interview on Island Time, she says: “I wanted to showcase something that's not usually shown.

“As a Pasifika person, I’m really passionate about my community, my Pacific culture and using the tools and skills that my ancestors worked hard for me to have.

Tanoa’i has been committed to climate justice since she was about 12 years old, a passion sparked while living in Taipei.

"I want to use my love for film to advocate not just for climate justice, but also for Pacific and social justice."

Having lived in various countries, including Taiwan, Fiji, and New Zealand, Tanoa’i has a rich, global perspective.

“One of my main reasons to continue learning this language is to advocate for issues I'm passionate about, such as climate change and how it affects the Pacific Islands.”

Through her work, she hopes to connect with other young people from Pacific backgrounds and inspire them to get involved. "I really just want to... I hope it connects to other Pasifika youth in hopes that they feel inspired to go full length," she adds, hinting at her desire to spark a bigger movement through her films.

Tanoa’i is grateful to her parents for capturing her childhood memories on camera, a gift that fuels her creative ambitions. “My mum always had her camera all the time growing up.”

Looking ahead, she plans to study film and Pacific Studies, with a vision of creating feature films that celebrate Pasifika cultures, myths and legends.

She is also developing projects that focus on the impact of climate change on Pacific communities. "I want to be able to use my talents in film and what I love doing to advocate for climate justice."

Tanoa’i is also exploring music, including rapping in Chinese: “I’d like to continue practising Chinese. I think that’d be a good way.”

Video Interview:

She is currently involved in several collaborative projects set to release later this year, where she will take on roles in directing, editing, and acting. She aims to build connections between Pasifika and Chinese communities through her work.

As her creative journey unfolds, Tanoa’i is also interested in producing documentaries and short films that address climate challenges facing island nations.

To young people everywhere, she has an encouraging message: “Stick to your gut and stick to what you believe in and your values. Just believe in yourself.”

Telesia 2 The World is just the beginning for this inspiring film-maker, who is proudly embracing her Pacific heritage while advocating for meaningful change.

Telesia 2 the World Documentary: