The Orator the first feature film for Samoa, a Samoan and New Zealand film written by first time director, Tusi Tamasese.
Check out this interview with Tusi in Samoa, filming on location and talking more about the movie.

I watched the film today and was  deeply moved by the story telling and narrative. I guess it hit me in the heart as I felt immersely proud of a  film about a Samoan story set and filmed in Samoa. It has a great story it is  backed by believable acting!

There were picturesque scenes and sounds in the movie that reminded me of Samoa, the heavy sound of the raining beating down hard on aluminum rooftops and the dense tropical plantations, the sounds of geckos at night, the sound of sharpening a machete blade and swinging it to cut taro leaves, the loud lively music heard playing in a Samoan Bus as it drove on the road…  I don’t want to give too much of the movie away but it’s a story of courage, honour, personal struggle and Samoan culture.

Check out the trailer for the film.

I found it hard not to cry because it was such a compelling and profound film, touching on alot of the cultural way of life for Samoan people.
I highly reccommend this film.

Southside Arts Festival is an annual event held from 14th October – 6 November which showcases the arts, music, dance, film, food and culture of South Auckland.

Check out this video titled “What is Southside” with Southside Arts Festival contributers and people in the community explaining what Southside means to them.

From Comedy show performaces, Wild Food Festivals, DJ Workshops, Creative Networking, Film festivals, Live music, Interactive physical theatre – the Southside Arts festivals promises a diverse celebration of te vibrant arts in  South Auckland.

So what is Southside to you? Why not experience it and get a taste of what this festival has to offer!

Southside Arts Festival 2011
WHEN: 14 October to 6 November
WHERE: South Auckland, New Zealand

Website: http://www.southside.org.nz/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/SthsideArtsFest
Locations: http://www.southside.org.nz/locations/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SouthsideArtsFestival

‘Frangipani The Fairy’s – Great SOUTHSIDE Adventure’ is one of the many community events in this year’s Southside Arts Festival, Auckland 2011.

‘Frangipani The Fairy’s Great SOUTHSIDE Adventure ‘is a performing arts adventure that will be held at Auckland’s Botanical Gardens. Brought to you by Lima Productions. The venue is a pretty exciting site to host a variety of cross-cultural performances and made for families. You’ll venture through a trail with Hip-Hopping Monkeys, Singing Sirens, Dancing Lupes, Comic Kuma’s and mythical creatures, Tahiwha, Witches, Elves and the Sly Wolf. 

Here is a video of a contemporary Samoan Dance tribute to Manu Samoa, ‘La’u Lupe’ to give you a taste on what will be on offer.

Like what you see? Then be sure to save the date for a performing arts experience not to be missed!

When: 11am-12pm and 1-2pm Saturday 22-Sunday 23 October
Where: Auckland Botanic Gardens
Price: Adults: $5, Children: $2 (Door Sales only)
Enquiries: lima.dancetheatre@gmail.com
Website: www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz
Visit the Southside Arts Festival website for more information about Frangipani The Fairy’s Great SOUTHSIDE Adventure or connect with Lima Productions on Facebook