Local film director, Tumeli Tuqota Jr, has pointed out the lack of creative film content from Fiji and the South Pacific during the launch of his second animation short film, Soli Bula, in Suva on Wednesday night.

His first animation short film is ‘You, the Choice of My Parents.’

The film depicts an alternate reality Fiji that has not lost touch with its tradition and culture.

It tells the story of a new Drua (double-hull canoe) that demands a steep toll for the final stage of its launch. The seven minute and 20-seconds animated film features iTaukei dialogue with English subtitles and is entirely produced by Fijians.

Soli Bula poter

He highlighted that his research on Fiji’s pre-contact history revealed that many of the country’s traditions and culture have been eroded over time through westernisation and contact with missionaries.

Mr Tuqota said the crew members who helped make the film were Fijians.

“I begin to imagine what Fiji would look like if it still held onto its tradition, no matter how grim they may be. Thus, Soli Bula was born, and it was funded through a kick-starter fundraiser despite the delay in production caused by COVID flare-ups,” Mr Tuqota said.

Cultural consultant Simione Sevudredre praised the film stating that it portrays how Fijians live their lives by sacrificing for others.

“The characters in the film willingly put themselves down as rollers for a waqatabu (sacred canoe) to be launched, which exemplifies the iTaukei culture of ‘na veivakaturagataki’ – respecting and esteeming others while sacrificing for their good and denying oneself,” Mr Sevudredre said.

Overall, Soli Bula is a promising and creative contribution to the film industry in Fiji and the South Pacific, showcasing the country’s unique culture and traditions in an animated format.

More than 100 people turned up for the launch.

Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj