(Picture caption: Lupeti Finau plays Uncle Siale in the film, Red, White & Brass.)
Lea faka-Tonga is the real star of Red, White & Brass, the feature film debut for director Damon Fepulea'i and co-writer/co-producer Halaifonua Finau, in cinemas now.
Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) Senior Advisor for Regional Partnerships, Central Lupeti Finau, who plays Uncle Siale in Red, White & Brass, says the film does wonders in promoting the Tongan language and culture in New Zealand and around the globe.
Inspired by a true story, the film focuses on Maka, a Tongan superfan, who will do whatever it takes to get tickets to the Tonga vs France Rugby World Cup game – even if it means promising to deliver a brass band for the pre-match entertainment.
There is one problem however, the band does not exist and Maka has four weeks to create one.
“Red, White & Brass promotes Tonga by giving non-Tongans an inside look and understanding of why we do the things the way we do,” Lupeti says.
“It also shows that language and culture can be a part of everyday life and that having culture and language being part of a project it enriches it.”
Hailing from the villages of Nukunuku and Holonga (Vava’u), Kolovai and Koulo (Ha’apai), the Wellington Methodist Parish Secretary (English speaking, Samoan, Tongan and Fijian Congregation) was cast in the film when the crew were struggling to find a suitable Reverend.
“They reached out to my youngest brother to do a recording of me,” he says.
“The casting agents saw my audition and thought I would be perfect for the role of Uncle Siale, who is a voice of reason for youth as well as elders.”
Lupeti’s acting and public servant life paths crossed during this movie, he adds.
“In both roles, the goal was the same – to promote the Tongan language and culture to Aotearoa and the rest of the world, and to uplift and empower Pacific peoples.
“The Tongan language is heard throughout the film, while struggles of New Zealand-born Tongans are raised to be taken notice of.
“With more people supporting the film it ensures it will remain in theatres, which will bring prosperity – something we want to achieve for our people at MPP.
“Lastly, it features many young people, who are thriving – another goal for us at MPP.”
The film’s reach goes beyond the cinema, Lupeti continues.
“A resource was developed with the support of the Ministry of Education, MPP and other agencies as a classroom support for teachers.
“It is aimed to support a range of learning outcomes in film, art and English, and it can support informal discussion, explore identity and belonging.”
The classroom resource is also supported by the New Zealand Film Commission, who is committed to increasing the number of people seeing New Zealand films on the big screen, especially young audiences.
Lupeti says everyone should go and check out this wonderful film, done with the backing of some heavy hitters.
“The likes of Taika Waititi and Piki Films added their shine to our story and put it on the big screen.
“Some of the film crew have worked on James Bond, Avatar, John Wick, Lord of the Rings and Avengers - and they have said this was their favourite movie to work on.
“The mainstream film industry is now aware there are stories within Pacific communities, which they can collaborate on and will be enjoyed by the New Zealand public.
“I look forward to seeing more investment from mainstream into our stories in the near future.”
Follow Red, White & Brass on Facebook, and check out your local cinema for screening times.