Director
Nicole Whippy, ‘Ofa-Ki-Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki, Matasila Freshwater, Amberley Jo Aumua, Mīria George, Marina Alofagia McCartney, Dianna Fuemana, Becs Arahanga
Starring
Hinetu Dell, Evotia-Rose Araiti, Betsy Luitolo
Run Time
91 mins
Release Year
2019
Country of Origin
New Zealand
Language
Fijian, Tongan, Roviana (Solomon Islands), Samoan, Cook Islands Māori, Niuean, English, Māori (NZ)
Director of Photography: Drew Sturge
Editor: Dione Chard
Produced by: Kerry Warkia, Kiel McNaughton
Music: Lauren King
Screenplay by: Sharon Whippy, Nicole Whippy, ‘Ofa-Ki-Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki, Matasila Freshwater, Amberley Jo Aumua, Mīria George, Marina Alofagia McCartney, Dianna Fuemana, Becs Arahanga
Production Designer: Riria Lee
Sound Production: Derek Metivier
Vai
Part of the World Perspectives Strand
This magnificent and truly memorable film is made by nine female Pacific filmmakers and shot in seven different Pacific countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Kuki Airani (Cook Islands), Samoa, Niue and Āotearoa (New Zealand). It follows the lifetime of Vai, played by a series of different indigenous actors in each of the Pacific countries, from a small child in Fiji through to an elderly woman in Āotearoa. In each nation, ‘vai’ means water. A beautiful, life-affirming film that brims with compassion, insight and respect. [12A]
Vai is nominated for the 2019 Award for Best International Feature Film.
Mobility supported by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)