Our Time. Our Stories.

YOUTH VOICES PREMIERE

Earlier this year eight brave young people answered Tangata Atumotu Trust’s call for aspiring film-makers. 

 Armed with handheld cameras, they were tasked with capturing life in Ōtautahi. Tangata Atumotu wanted to get a sense of who these eight young people are, what is important to them and significantly – what it means to be Pasifika in Otautahi in 2021. There was an emphasis on culture and identity and the link between this and wellbeing.

Their mission was to interview at least three friends on their experiences and to capture a range of footage – or b-roll as they call it in the industry.

Over several months these budding film-makers, their friends and family have helped create something very special.

Our Time. Our Stories is a raw, honest, authentic and emotional expression of who our young Pasifika people are and what it means to be Pasifika in 2021.

Key themes to emerge include mental health, self-care, racism, cultural identity, pride, and connection.

If we are to learn anything through this film it is that our Pasifika youth in Canterbury want to be heard. Sometimes they just need a platform to do so.

These are their stories – the challenge now rests with all of us to ensure the dreams and aspirations of our beautiful Pacific youth become their reality.