Film & Television
Tinā (2025)- Director, Producer, Writer
TINĀ
“Tinā” is an inspiring drama, a light-hearted rhythmic tear-jerker that follows the story of Samoan teacher Mareta Percival. Struggling after the death of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes, Mareta reluctantly takes on a role as a substitute teacher at an elite private school and is surprised to find children crying out for guidance, inspiration, and love.
We Are Still Here (2022) - Director, Writer
We Are Still Here is a unique Indigenous film that interweaves eight powerful tales to tell a sweeping story of hope and survival.
Ten indigenous filmmakers from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand deliver a cinematic response to the anniversary of James Cook landing on our shores and a strident reminder that after 250 years of colonialism; We Are Still Here.
The Panthers (2021) - Director (TV Mini Series, Episode 1 & 2)
Inspired by The Black Panthers in the USA; a group of young radicals from New Zealand form The Polynesian Panthers.
Set in Auckland in 1974, The Panthers focuses on how a group of Polynesian students and street gangsters led by Tongan student Will 'Ilolahia formed a revolutionary movement called the Polynesian Panthers, drawing inspiration from the American Black Panther Party. The miniseries is set against the backdrop of racial tensions between European and Pasifika New Zealanders, the dawn raids on overstayers, and the premiership of Prime Minister Robert Muldoon.
Teine Sā (2021) - Director, Writer (TV Mini Series: Sina and Tuna)
The ancient female spirits of the Pacific are stirring.
After centuries of slumber the Teine Sa, ancient spirit women of the Pacific, have been evoked to creep back into the modern world and engage with five different women. This contemporary horror series is based on supernatural legends from across the Pacific Islands. From the notorious Samoan goddess Telesa, to the Hiama of the Solomon Islands, these tales of the unexpected take unexpected twists on age-old stories. Told by five different Moana writers and directors, this 'new voices' project was created to support authentic Pacific stories on screen.
Uso (2006) - Director, Writer (Short Film)
A comedy on friendship when two teenage boys wait for one girl to call at their local telephone booth.
A comedy on friendship when two teenage boys wait for one girl to call at their local telephone booth. With “Uso”, Received a nomination for Best Script in the New Zealand Television Film Awards, a Special Mention for Script Writing at Show Me Shorts and won the Digital Dream Award at the HIFF.
Rites of Courage (2005) - Director, Writer (Short Film)
A boy faces his fears getting a traditional Samoan tattoo
This visually striking film is a coming-of-age story of a young boy suffering through the traditional Samoan “Tatau” (tattoo) ceremony, preparing him for an uncertain technological future.
