Celebrate 24 years of Pasifika storytelling on screen as the Pollywood Pasifika Film Festival returns to the Gallery for an afternoon of short films, conversation and connection.

Founded by filmmaker Craig Fasi, the festival has championed Pasifika filmmakers for more than two decades, creating a platform for emerging and established talent to share their stories and perspectives.

This year's programme features seven short films representing voices and experiences from Niue, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand. Expect thought-provoking storytelling that challenges perspectives, sparks conversation and stays with you long after the credits roll.

Following the screenings, join festival founder and director Craig Fasi and participating filmmakers for a Q&A session. Hear the stories behind the films, gain insights into the filmmaking process and discover what it takes to bring Pasifika stories to the screen.

The afternoon concludes with an opportunity to connect over a cup of tea in the Gallery's Lower Ground Foyer.

 

What to expect

Programme:

• 1:45pm to 2pm | Arrival and seating

• 2pm to 3.15pm | Short film screenings

• 3.15 to 3.30pm | Filmmaker Q&A with Craig Fasi

• 3:30pm to 4pm | Tea and conversation in the Lower Ground Foyer

Film classification: M – Mature audiences. Recommended for audiences aged 16 years and over.

Tickets: Ticketing for this event is managed through Eventfinda.

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Craig Fasi

Craig Fasi is a filmmaker, visual artist, and founder and director of the Pollywood Pasifika Film Festival. Of Niuean descent, Craig holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts from Manukau Institute of Technology and has more than 26 years of experience working with Pasifika communities across film, multimedia and the arts.

For 24 years, he has championed Pasifika storytelling through the festival, providing a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to share their work with audiences in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

Through collaborations with local councils, educational institutions, government agencies and private organisations, Craig continues to advocate for greater visibility and representation of Pasifika voices in film and multimedia arts. His work is driven by a commitment to making Pasifika storytelling and creative participation a recognised and valued part of the screen industry.