Resourceful, innovative, driven and inspirational are just some of the traits the 20 teams taking part in the inaugural People of Pasifika 48hr (POP48) Film Challenge, across four Pacific nations, possessed and executed throughout the competition.
While the grand prize went to Team Big Eye from the Solomon Islands with their film Our Culture Matters, there were other individuals from the teams who stood out for various reasons – from being a problem solver, to having a positive attitude for 48 hours straight, without much (or any) sleep.
Guerrilla, a brand experience agency based in Aotearoa, New Zealand specialising in brand activation and experiential storytelling, provided guidance and ideas on using the PoP48 Galaxy S26 Ultra kits (as well as sourcing them), which teams used to shoot their short films.
Co-founders of Guerrilla Shannon Menehira and Sy Knox were so impressed by the storytellers they were working alongside, and generously offered four Samsung Music Frames to gift to standout participants – one individual from Samoa, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands and Fiji.
“Guerrilla has several internal initiatives that keep us true to the values we instill in our mahi.
“One of these initiatives is called PURPLE Projects,” says Sy.
“An amalgamation of the words PURpose and peoPLE, these projects are Guerrilla-funded contributions to kaupapa that make a difference to our communities and social change.”
Selected participants were chosen by the POP48 Popstars (PCBL crew) who went to each of the Pacific nations to work alongside the hosts and teams.
“The recipients of this award have demonstrated resourcefulness, innovative drive, or ability to inspire others,” Sy adds.
“This is Guerrilla’s contribution to the POP48 kaupapa as part of our Q3 PURPLE project programme, designed to engage and empower communities we work with through our craft.”
Meanwhile, Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited’s (PCBL), Chief of Content (Acting) and General Manager of Pasifika On Air, says she is so blown away at the Guerilla team’s generosity.
“We love PURPLE Projects, they are so clever, and the selected POP48 participants are worthy recipients – fakaaue lahi mahaki.”
Congratulations to all our PURPLE Project winners:
Team Cook Islands
Moana Cook of Team First Watch for her diverse talents, knack for problem-solving and positive attitude throughout this competition.
Team Solomon Islands
Derol Konofilia Sanga (aka Ivan Utahenua) for his mentoring of Team DC Re4mist, and other teams, along with filming the behind-the-scenes segment for Tavuli News.
Team Samoa
Jack Seumanutafa of Team Fuki was “on fire” the whole weekend. So positive, kind to others, funny, always smiling, and awake for the entire 48hrs.
Team Fiji
Nimati Qionimua of Team Sauriva went above and beyond throughout the POP48 challenge weekend, showing an outstanding commitment to the purpose and the future of Pacific storytelling. Nimati’s contribution helped lift not just their Team Sauriva, but everyone around them.