Online abuse in focus in powerful new Fiji documentary

Cyberbullying, online harassment and the sharing of private content online are at the centre of a new Fiji documentary airing nationally this month.

Algorithm of Shame: In the Village, Everybody Knows looks at how social media is changing public life in Fiji, where private moments, conflict and humiliation can now spread rapidly online and far beyond traditional community boundaries.

But it also explores how community, culture and faith can provide solutions.

The documentary comes as Fiji, the Pacific, and the world grapples with rising concerns around online abuse, particularly involving women, young people and image-based harm.

The film follows a number of people with lived experience of online harm, including Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya, Survivor and Advocate Marika and Rhonda Eroni Ledua Dina.

Expert voices in the film include lawyer Jon Apted, the Online Safety Commission, Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, House of Sarah and Save the Children Fiji.

The film examines wider issues around privacy, gender, accountability and the pressures social media places on individuals, families and communities in Fiji’s rapidly changing digital environment.

Produced by Pacific and Māori-owned Aotearoa New Zealand production company Nine Islands Media, the documentary was co-directed and co-produced by Tuki Laumea (Sāmoan), Cleo Fraser (Māori), alongside Fijian journalists Inoke Rabonu and Ilaitia Ravuwai.

Executive producer Tuki Laumea says the film was intended to encourage wider public discussion around online behaviour, digital harm, and create a deeper understanding of the impact online harm can cause - not only in Fiji but across the Pacific, including Aotearoa.

Nine Islands Media is looking to explore partnerships with individuals and organisations who wish to use the film in their work to reduce online harm in Fiji and across the Pacific.

The film was funded by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (New Zealand) with support from Pacific Media Network. The Moana Reo Fund is designed to promote Pacific languages through visual content.

The documentary premiered on Mai TV Fiji last night at 7.30pm and was followed by a live discussion panel involving contributors and organisations working in online safety and community wellbeing.

Further broadcasts via Mai TV will be announced. Algorithm of Shame: In the Village, Everybody Knows will then broadcast in Aotearoa New Zealand and across the Pacific.