The high anticipated winner of the inaugural People of Pasifika 48hr (POP48) Film Challenge has been decided, with the grand prize of a trip to Hawai’i for a Film Masterclass, and bragging rights going to Team Solomon Islands and Team Big Eye, for Our Culture Matters.
Up against four other Solomon Islands teams, and 15 other teams, from Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, the six-minute film Our Culture Matters took out the first ever POP48hr Film Challenge, set to become a Pasifika On Air flagship initiative in efforts to uplift and enhance storytelling throughout the Pacific.
Consisting of Wilfred Akwai, Danzo Kakadi, Rodney Kwaita, Nigel Seseli, Martin Iro, Don Lebata, Kens Misilifoa and Ben Teoga, Team BigEye wrote, shot and delivered the film in just 48 hours, from September 4-6, 2026, hosted by Pasifika TV broadcaster Tavuli News, based in Honiara.
Three of the crew will travel to Honolulu to attend a Film Masterclass in Hawai’i in late October, led by International Cultural Arts Network (ICAN) founders and renowned producers Brian Keaulana and Angie Laprete.
Our Culture Matters features Maoma, who rises again at the sound of modern sounds, to bring back the wisdom of the ancestors to guide the current generation and inspire the next.
Judged partly on people’s choice, and by using external experienced film producers, Our Culture Matters received the highest number of online votes, from a global audience.
Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) Chief of Content (Acting) Nicole Rex Taofinu’u says all 20 short films were nothing short of excellent.
“This initiative highlights the abundant storytelling and content producing talent we have in the region, which if nurtured and supported, will be right up there on the international stage,” Nicole says.
“All 20 films hit the mark around basing the film on culture, inserting the line, ‘That doesn’t belong there’, and the use of a prop, which was a whistle.
“Unfortunately, we can only have one winner, but special mention must go to Team Sleeping Giants from Samoa, with Weave, Cook Islands Team First Watch’s That’s the Spirit, and Uku Na Loa, by Fiji’s Team Tide Frame.
“Fakaaue lahi to our broadcasters for hosting the film crew teams, and to all our participants, who made history by being part of the first ever PoP48hr Film Challenge.”
Visit the Pasifika TV website to view all the short films.