Speaking about The Orator

2 July, 2013

Speaking about The Orator

Samoan New Zealand film maker Tusi Tamasese is to give a free talk at the University of Waikato next week.

Tusi is the acclaimed director of The Orator (O Le Tulafale), the first feature length movie shot in Samoa, in Samoan and with a Samoan cast and story.

The movie received widespread acclaim and was submitted to the 84th Academy Awards in 2011.

Tusi came to New Zealand at the age of 18  and studied at the University of Waikato, gaining a bachelor's degree in social sciences, and later at the New Zealand Film School and at the Victoria University of Wellington, obtaining a Master of Arts degree in creative writing.

He will be speaking about his journey from being a student at the University of Waikato to an internationally renowned director. His two best-known films have both drawn on his formative years in Samoa and are part of his desire to use filmmaking technology to tell unique stories that convey experiences of ‘insiders’ within Pacific culture.

Tusi Tamasese is speaking in Room S.1.05 (S Block) at the University of Waikato at 7pm on Thursday, 11 July, with light refreshments available from 6.30pm.

The event is free but people are urged to register by emailing Nyree@waikato.ac.nz or phone 0272-867-454.

Director Tusi Tamasese and cinematographer Leon Narbey on the set of The Orator

ENDS

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