Screening of "The New Ocieania," a new film by Albert Wendt, October 30, 2010

The New Oceania, a film by Albert Wendt, presented by Campus Life & Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies
Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
Oceania Centre, University of the South Pacific

This film is curated by Professor Vilsoni Hereniko, who will introduce the film and moderate an after-film discussion.

This documentary is a must-see for anyone who claims to know anything about Pacific literature, theatre, film, poetry, or Pacific arts and cultures in general. Samoan-born Albert Wendt used to teach at USP but left soon after the Fiji coup of 1987 to become the Professor of English at the University of Auckland. He is now retired, but his novels, poetry, plays, and films, as well as his mentoring of contemporary Pacific artists of all kinds have made him the most famous writer and artist living in Oceania today.

This film traces Wendt's life and career, with vivid dramatisations of his work. It also documents the current explosion of creative activity by Pacific artists- writers, painters, dancers, and rappers- who look to Wendt as a forerunner. Filmed in Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and Hawaii, The New Oceania takes its title from Wendt's manifesto encouraging Pacific cultures to challenge stereotypes, embrace change, and accept the need for dissent.

Rated: G
Year: 2006
Running Time: 75 mins.
Director: Shirly Horrocks

For a printer friendly version, please download the attachment below.