As the inaugural People of Pasifika 48hour (POP48) Film Challenge nears, Pasifika TV is getting to know each of the four “hosts” in the four countries selected to compete for the top honours.
Fiji, Cook Islands, Samoa and Solomon Islands have been selected as host countries for the Pasifika On Air (POA) initiative, who each recruit five teams each, to then battle it out to produce a short (four to six minutes) film in just 48 hours, from September 4-6, 2026.
Viewers will then get to vote for their favourite film when all 20 films are aired exclusively across Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) platforms in September.
The winner will be announced in September, and the POP48 champions will receive a grand prize of a trip to Hawai’i for a film masterclass.
Established in 2022 in Honiara the Tavuli News crew, spearheaded by Elisabeth Osifelo, will lead Team Solomon Islands and host the five competing film crews for POP48.
Elizabeth says one of Tavuli News’ strengths is connecting with people in the community and the audience, while ensuring stories are authentically told by Solomon Islanders rather than external or generalised lenses.
Here is how Tavuli News will support Team Solomon Islands to do the same during POP48…
Tell us about yourselves
We are a fairly new news team…and are a small but very versatile team that have trained to handle multi-tasking. Tavuli News is a privately owned, independent media service provider based in the Solomon Islands. We specialise in producing and distributing high-quality news content across multiple platforms — from digital streaming on Facebook and YouTube to partnerships with broadcasters such as Telekom Television and Pasifika TV. Our services include news production, filming, editing, and content distribution, ensuring stories from the Solomon Islands are told accurately and reach audiences at home, communities, and across the Pacific. By combining modern digital platforms with strong community connections, Tavuli News delivers journalism that is trusted, inclusive and impactful.
How did you get into the film/content making space?
We have been producing content under Pasifika TV, since our involvement during COVID. We have produced a mini documentary series We live in hope, and recently in partnership with Nine islands Media – producing The War Below – which was one of our biggest highlights as a team.
Who or what inspires you in your craft?
What inspires us in our craft, is the people of Solomon Islands. Telling their stories, seeing issues through their eyes, celebrating milestone achievements, and being able to tell stories that make an impact in people’s lives. Our inspiration comes from our people, their voices and their stories. We will always represent the people’s voices.
What drives you (and your team)?
Being able to learn together, solve problems together and grow as a team. Knowing our purpose and our existence to be a trusted news service and content creation team to serve the people, and provide access to information, delivering trusted, inclusive and community focused journalism tailored to the Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific.
Why will you be the host with the most?
We are very resilient team, one of our strengths is connecting with people in the communities and our audience. We ensure stories are authentically told by Solomon Islanders rather than external or generalised lenses. We carry a reliable reputation and have strong networks.
Why do you think your island will take out the challenge?
We are cable of producing some of the best content, we are adaptable, and can work smart. Therefore, we are confident we can deliver and are most certainly up for the challenge.
What outcomes are you anticipating?
Building strong connections with our content and emerging film makers, having the opportunity to be a part of the creativity, and to be seen on a bigger stage that may lead us to more regional and international participation in this area of work. This will be our very first time to participate as host to such an exciting challenge and we look forward to delivering amazing content from emerging Pasifika storytellers.