PASIFIKA REPRESENTATION AT ITS BEST Jotham Tesese (he/him) Being in my third year of Film Studies, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for Pasifika representation on screen. These films and TV shows reflect my experiences growing up Samoan in NZ. Contains spoilers!
The Legend of Johnny Lingo (2003) Ok, but do you search the horizon every day? I’ll always remember when my family gathered to watch this film when it came on Māori Television. This film will always be important for me because it was the first time I saw people that looked like me onscreen. Before Tama decides to leave the village that shunned him for bringing misfortune to their lives, he makes a promise to his friend to return to care for her. Tama meets the great Johnny Lingo and eventually makes his return to the island he grew up on. This film is full of heart-warming moments and touches on the importance of work ethic, love, and keeping one’s promises. For those who watch Korean Dramas (including those who watch it secretly), I recommend watching this for the ‘childhood-friends to lovers’ plot line and THAT ending. Even if you don’t watch K-Dramas, I still recommend this film!
www.salient.org.nz
17
