From left to right: Tavuli News crew of Elizabeth Osifelo, Bradford Nodo, Jeremy Gwoa and George Noda, with PCBL’s Tia Soakai at back, ahead of The War Below screening in Honiara.
By Michelle Curran
Executive Communications Manager, PCBL/Pasifika TV
For Solomon Islanders, telling the story of The War Below is a reminder of the daily realities they will continue to live with for many generations to come.
Producer of the recently completed documentary Elizabeth Osifelo says the story, of the ongoing threat of World War Two bombs still harming communities throughout the Solomon Islands 80 years on, needs to be told to the world.
“It is important to tell this story for the world to hear and see, that UXOs (unexploded ordnances) in the Solomon Islands are real, frightening, and affect everyday life,” Elizabeth says.
“We want to know, whose mess is this? Whose war was it and who pays the price?
“Telling this story…is important because survivors and victims need support.
“Solomon Islands has tragically lost lives of loved ones, and we will continue to do so…it is important because we need more support.”
The Tavuli News journalist and broadcaster was paired with Nine Islands Media in Aotearoa New Zealand to produce The War Below, as part of the Pacific Regional Media Fund (PRMF), awarded in 2024.
Funded by NZ On Air and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL), PRMF aims to pair Aotearoa-based Pasifika producers to collaborate with producers in the region, to create Pacific content.
The War Below is among six projects to be supported by the inaugural fund, and it is something Solomon Islanders can not only take ownership of, but be proud of as well, Elizabeth says.
By telling this story, it has created awareness around the dangers Solomon Islanders face every day, and about safety measures needed for children in particular, she adds.
Ongoing issue in the Pacific
According to RNZ Pacific, 202 UXOs were removed from a school site in Honiara, in 2024.
In 2021, two people were killed, and others injured in Honiara when an American 105mm shell exploded, and in 2020, two aid agency workers were killed while surveying for UXOs.
Maeverlyn Pitanoe, a survivor of the 2021 explosion, features in The War Below, and registered the charity organisation, Bomb Free Solomon Islands, in June.
The Solomon Islands is not alone either, with the likes of Palau and Nauru dealing with UXOs.
Elizabeth says the documentary drives empathy for survivors, and also the push for responsible authorities to step up and provide the help needed throughout the Solomon Islands.
“Above all, what we have come to learn is a lot needs to be done, and it’s just a matter of time before someone loses another loved one.”
For Elizabeth and her small crew, making the documentary has been a learning experience, from being out in the field, to implementing the fine details of production and the amount of work involved behind the scenes.
On November 17, the New Zealand High Commission in Honiara hosted a small community screening of The War Below, directed by Tuki Laumea and produced by Elizabeth Osifelo, Tuki Laumea and Cleo Fraser.
Pacific partnerships
Junior Hunter, Chief Operations Officer and Tia Soakai, Regional Content Manager attended the screening event, representing PRMF partner, PCBL.
Junior says partnerships built throughout the project are at the epicentre of its success.
“Our strong relationships with Tavuli News and Nine Islands Media ensured both felt supported during the production and the screening of The War Below,” Junior says.
“We also worked closely with the New Zealand High Commission and NZ On Air to keep them informed about the collaboration and its significance.
“These partnerships were essential; without them, this documentary would not have been possible.”
The War Below will be released in 2026.
Providing a voice
Tia, a daughter of the Solomon Islands, says every Solomon Islander knows someone whose story is tied to the war – a grandfather, a village elder, a family’s land.
“The legacy of WWII isn’t history preserved in books; it’s still lying beneath our soil,” Tia says.
“A week before the premiere, there was yet another UXO incident in Town Ground – that’s how real this is.
“My hope is that this documentary ignites deeper awareness – something as simple as raising a fire off the ground or using a drum could save a life.
“The War Below hit hard and there was not a dry eye in the room.
“It honours the families who have suffered and brought something hopeful to life, Bomb Free Solomon Islands, finally giving victims a voice and support, and at the end, when the call to action was made, everyone in the building stood to their feet and pledged together.”
Tia adds removing every bomb will take time, but right now, people can be more aware, share the knowledge, and look after each other.
“This film is more than a documentary, it’s a lifeline for our people.”
