The Pacific
Filmmakers from the Pacific region – our extended whānau – are supported to tell their stories on the world stage
Our focus
Through UNESCO there is an opportunity for New Zealand to better understand and connect with its place in the Pacific.
Pacific nations are uniquely linked to New Zealand through migrated communities and there are opportunities to connect to our wider sub-Pacific region through knowledge sharing and storytelling.
Wellington City of Film, in partnership with Wellington’s Pasifika community, can help widen access to skills and technology to amplify the stories and storytellers of the Pacific.
Our plans
- Through visual storytelling, build understanding of our place in the Pacific and strengthen the place of Pacific peoples in Wellington and Aotearoa
- Enable more Pasifika peoples in their region to tell their stories via screen and innovative screen technology
Our actions
We partnered with creative screen tech firm VAKA to create an extensive workshop, business bootcamp and mentoring programme for Māori and Pasifika screen creatives wanting to be their own boss.
Called IGNITION 101, the workshops designed to provide real-world experience and business opportunities have proved hugely successful.
They focus on networking, identifying client solutions, deal-making, closing and the nuts-and-bolts of running a small creative-led business. In each session participants hear from other Māori and Pasifika entrepreneurs from a variety of screen related fields with insights on developing creative content, and protecting intellectual property.
This pilot programme includes a year-long mentoring component where students receive ongoing support and guidance - we can't wait to see how that peer support springboards them as entrepreneurs.