The first Fijian full-length independent feature film in more than 20 years has been released by Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) alumnus Andrew John Fakaua Ponton.
Andrew wrote, directed and produced boxing drama Bati, which is screening in Fiji and Samoa through August. It premiered at Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival on 9 August, and will be released in Papua New Guinea in September.
It tells the story of young couple Sam and Rachel, who leave their village to try and build a life together in the city. When Sam’s earnings as a security guard prove inadequate, he decides to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional boxer. Bati is the word used in Fijian for the country’s traditional warriors.
The film boasts a cast of Fijian actors and a local crew, with a soundtrack featuring local artists. It was filmed in Andrew’s home city of Suva and neighbouring province of Namosi, and has been praised by FilmInk as “a significant moment for Fijian cinema and a new addition to the growing list of films from the Pacific Islands.”
Andrew, who graduated from ECA’s MA Film Directing in 2010, said: “I grew up in Suva, the capital of Fiji, and I always wanted to watch a feature film set in this city, but such a film never materialised. I made this movie because I wanted to give the Fijian community the experience of watching an exciting authentic Fijian boxing drama in cinemas. It was also a way for me to express myself as a storyteller in the medium of film.
“I hope Bati can show that it’s possible to make a feature film in Fiji, and that it inspires others to do the same. It is the first Fijian feature film to premiere at the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival, and it means a great deal to us. With the close ties between Fiji and New Zealand, it’s especially meaningful that our friends and family in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington can see the film this August.”
Andrew is of mixed heritage - Pacific Islander on his mother’s side and Scottish on his father’s side. He said: “Studying in Edinburgh was an opportunity for me to learn more about filmmaking as well as learn more about living in Scotland. Edinburgh is a fantastic city, full of history and character.
“ECA encourages its students to take initiative, and to be proactive creators and producers. That mindset has helped me not only in filmmaking, but also in other areas of work. It taught me to push forward, even when resources are limited.”
