In November 2023, NZ On Air announced the first-ever Aotearoa New Zealand Pacific Regional Media Fund of $1.9m to encourage the creation of stories from a uniquely Pasifika perspective, to be broadcast in Aotearoa New Zealand and throughout the Pacific region via Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited’s Pasifika TV.
The fund aimed to bring NZ-based Pasifika producers collaborate with producers in the Pacific Islands to produce Scripted or Non-Fiction screen content, with a portion of the fund specifically allocated to support the creation of original music by Pasifika composers and musicians as part of the productions.
Six projects have been announced as successful recipients of funding. Five Non-Fiction and one Scripted – are the culmination of an initiative that paired Aotearoa New Zealand-based Pasifika producers with Pacific-based producers and broadcasters, to create and produce content shot in the Pacific Islands and primarily in a Pacific Island language with English subtitles.
“We expected the calibre of applications to be strong and it was difficult to choose just six, but the quality of the storytelling is really exciting for the future of all the Pasifika producers that were involved in this kaupapa,” says proud Niuean and NZ On Air project lead for the initiative, Nicole Rex.
“The fund is the first of its kind for NZ On Air, working with our Pacific Island counterparts to bring Pasifika creators in Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands together to work collaboratively and produce dynamic, digital-first content for Pasifika audiences in Aotearoa as well as abroad.”
The initiative was run by NZ On Air in collaboration with Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) which is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to foster stronger relationships between Aotearoa and the Pacific region by supporting its media sector.
“We are grateful and applaud Irirangi Te Motu, NZ On Air, for enabling this opportunity for our Pacific broadcast partners to build on their storytelling craft with some of Aotearoa’s highly regarded Pasifika producers,” says Natasha Meleisea, the CEO of PCBL. “It supports our aspirations of building mutually beneficial partnerships that are underpinned by our shared values and history. These stories will add to the cultural richness of content viewed in Aotearoa and the Pacific.”
Successful Funding Recipients with Pacific Partners;
- Cadness Street with TV3 Samoa; A Dollar to Dream
- Great Southern Television with Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation; The Bride Price – Vanuatu
- Kava Bowl Media with Samoa TV1; Rugby Chiefs; Village Legends
- Kingston Productions with Broadcasting Corporation Niue; Children of Niue (working title)
- Nine Islands Media with Elizabeth Osifelo for Telekom TV; The War Below; Restoring Hope in the Solomon Islands
- Sunpix with Araura TV; Paradise in Peril
“Providing this opportunity to grow and empower Pasifika storytellers in a uniquely Pacific way, where reciprocity and sharing knowledge is at the heart of this project is very special to me and makes me feel proud of my culture and heritage. I am personally delighted and excited about these stories coming to the screen,” says Rex.
Funded Projects
The one Scripted project, A Dollar to Dream, is a Samoan-language musical about a young street vendor in Apia, Samoa who is determined to provide for his family. Based on a true story, it addresses the theme of poverty in Samoa, the lack of a welfare system, and showcases the musical styles and talents of Samoa and its youth.
Two of the documentary projects take a look at historical issues within their respective island nations. The War Below: Restoring Hope in the Solomon Islands looks at the islands’ experience post the Pearl Harbour bombing in WWII, and the aftermath of battles fought between the Allies and the Japanese in the Solomon Islands.
While the second documentary project Paradise in Peril looks at the dying Aitutaki lagoon in the Cook Islands, which has sustained generations of Polynesian people but is under threat from rapid climate change and the effects of human habitation.
Two further documentary projects each take a look inside the family unit to explore thought-provoking topics. The Bride Price – Vanuatu examines the significance of an age-old Vanuatu kastom (custom) similar to arranged marriage. The documentary follows a couple as they go through the process, and the historical, cultural and societal issues around the tradition.
The second documentary follows five families in Niue – a father and son, a well-known Niuean actor, an opera singer, a scientist and a Niuean high school student – for the docu-series Children of Niue on what it means to be Niuean, as the island nation celebrates 50 years of self-governance.
Combining the theme of sport alongside a cultural issue or custom is Rugby Chiefs: Village Legends, which tells the story of the Tuilagi brothers’ rugby journey through the perspective of their fa’afafine sister Julie. Coming from one of the most recognised rugby families in the world, Julie has had to navigate her own challenges as a fa’fafine and devout Christian.
ENDS
