Man Makes First Samoan Language Film

Man Makes First Samoan Language Film

Tusi Tamasese is the writer and director behind the first ever Samoan language film "The Orator".  Creating this film is already considered to be an achievement in itself.  However the movie has started to enjoy some success.



The Orator had been popular with the Australian, New Zealand and Samoan public.  While the movie is based in Samoa, it is considered to be both a New Zealand and Samoan film.  This is because the New Zealand Film Commission funded the movie.  It should also be noted that while Tamasese is Samoan, he has lived in New Zealand for a considerable period of time.  The movie is New Zealand's first entry into the foreign language Academy Awards category.

Many credit the success of the film to the universality of the story.  The film is about a son of a chief who is cast aside by his community.  In order to defend his family he has to stand up to them by using his words.

The director states that he never set out to make a Samoan movie.  It just worked out that way.  It is likely he made this comment because he wants to be considered for bigger budget films.  Nevertheless the success of this film will be good for the Samoan community.  It is well known that Samoans value their rugby.  This is because it is one of the few ways that young people can leave Samoa and make significant amounts of money.  Hopefully the release of this film will encourage more Samoans to pursue careers in the arts.