Elections Doco Set for World Premiere

Fijian feature documentary 'Elections in Paradise' is set for its World Premiere in its home country Fiji in June.

The feature doco follows local filmmakers Tumeli Tuqota and Laisiasa Dave Lavaki in the lead up to the Fijian General Elections of 2022.

The duo travel Fiji and talanoa with politicians, community leaders and everyday Fijians about Fijian politics.

The diverse voices of Fijians and candidates from various backgrounds and ideologies participated in the electoral process that eventually culminated in the landmark change in government after 16 years.

"I am so excited to share Fiji's first locally made documentary about an election on the big screen and can't wait for my fellow Fijians to come along the learning journey with us" Mr Tuqota said.

The documentary captures the adventure of two Fijians learning about politics by shadowing politicians and people of interest.

"Fiji's political landscape is ... hahaha ... ok, awa, wait, let me find the words", that's all we could get out of Mr Lavaki.

The film was funded by the Scan QR code for website University of London for the exhibition and film festival 'Living Democracy' which was seen by over 10,000 visitors between January and March 2024 in London. The screening is set for June 13, at Damodar City cinemas in Suva.

The two filmmakers will host a question-and-answer session straight after the screening. Tickets are for sale at ticketmax.com.fj.

Message from the directors

This film was originally created for the Living Democracy exhibition which was held in early 2024 at the School of African Studies in the University of London in England.

We created this full-length feature documentary along with three other shorter films and a bunch of other installation pieces for the exhibition.

The exhibition featured works from five countries: India, Brazil, England, Ethiopia and of course Fiji. It took us just over two years to create this film and our other exhibition content.

A special vinaka to the School of African studies for funding the work. A big vinaka to Professor Emma Crewe, Dr. Richard Axelby and Amir Massoumian for all your efforts in making this all happen.

A massive thank you to the film consultant Shirley Van Der Ma a rel for the many hours spent working with us in moulding this film, and a final big vinaka to the film's co-producer Dr. Jastinder Kaur who initially brought us on board and worked with us every week for the entire project.

While not on camera, Jas and Shirley were just as entangled in this film as we were. This would've been impossible without you both.

Malo vakalevu Meli and Dave.

By: Shenal Harakh

• Shenal Harakh is the founder of her eponymous software development agency Shenal (www.shenal.online), which builds tech products for startup clients around the world.She is currently based in Fiji and is running workshops to digitally upskill communities. Head to https://fiji.shenal.online/ to sign up and keep up to date with new workshops, or follow her work on LinkedIn: Shenal Harakh or Twitter: @shenalyo.