The two films featured in the Deep Waters Film Festival at the American Samoa Community College yesterday were described by one reviewer as outstanding.
Unfortunately the 12 to 2pm showings of “Ever The Land” and “Kū Kanaka/Stand Tall,” had very little attendance.
Samoan actor Tuiasau Uelese Petaia said the documentaries were moving and touching, particularly as they dealt with an issue close to every Samoan’s heart, “our tofi” or “our land.”
The actor, who is in town to promote the screening of “One Thousand Ropes”, the movie written by award winning filmmaker Tusi Tamasese, said that more American Samoans should go to see showings at next years’festival and be inspired to make their own documentaries, tell American Samoan stories about American Samoa.
Pacific Islanders in Communications, which sponsored the festival, funds film productions by US Pacific islanders,.
There have been very few films written and produced by American Samoans
Tuiasau said, “I’ve known about Pacific Islanders in Communications and the work they do and seeing these films makes me more determined to push young people to get involved in story telling through film.”
He said it helps that there is always an American Samoan on the Board of PIC which should help get projects underway.
Regina Meredith is finishing her term as PIC Board member and replacing her is Tialuga Vince Iuli, Deputy Director of the Office of Public Information KVZK TV.
