Join Māori, Samoan & Fijian filmmakers for a Pacific Triple Bill with stories of ancestor revenge, romance and resistance. Directors Q&A moderated by Robin Monotti Graziadei.

Films Screening:

A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa'amoana John Luafutu   

European Premiere

Director Nina Nawalowalo | 2021 | 57 min | Samoan , Samoa & Fiji

A Pacific story told through a Pacific lens - with the guidance of director Nina Nawalowalo’s graceful vision.

Arriving to New Zealand from Samoa as a young child in the 1950s, Fa'amoana was taken from his family and placed in state care, suffering terrible abuse alongside thousands of other Pacific and  children. This documentary explores his journey through state care, prison, gang membership, as well as the intergenerational impacts of these experiences; and ultimately, healing for Fa'amoana and his Family through harnessing the power of his voice as a storyteller.

Taumanu (Reclaim)

Director Taratoa Stappard | 2022 | 22 min | English, Māori. Aotearoa (New Zealand)

New Zealand. 1929. When a parcel is delivered to a colonial manor house, mysterious Māori performers arrive to reclaim the contents. Soon the Māori head butler finds himself drawn into bloody, century-old vengeance.

The Brylcreem Boys

Director Rafer Rautjoki | 2022 | 15 min | Māori. Aotearoa (New Zealand)

Kara is tasked with discovering why her Uncle’s first love abandoned him on the opening night of his band’s national tour.

Native Spirit Festival 2023 runs 17 October - 7 November in London and Oxford screening 70+ films. Founded by Mapuche leader Freddy Treuqil in 2005, NSFF is the UK’s first and only annual independent festival promoting Narrative Sovereignty with Indigenous filmmakers: “All the [activists] have come to the conclusion that one objective of making video, radio and television is for the other culture to know us. It is necessary to create a bridge to share our culture in an educational form, without losing our identity.” — Freddy Treuqil. Native Spirit Taiwan runs 8-10 December.

With thanks to New Zealand Film Commission.