FOR too long the Pacific has watched others create stories about the region’s people. The tide has started to turn as an upcoming filmmaker launches his film, Bati, approaching Pacific issues through a Pasifika lens. Born in Tuvalu, raised and educated in Suva, Andrew John Fakaua Ponto found his interest in filmmaking. “After I finished high school, I developed a strong interest in filmmaking. I studied filmmaking and worked in other industries because making a living from filmmaking is difficult,” Ponto said. After years of hard work, he eventually saved enough money to invest in making Bati a reality. Ponto said when films were released, people saw the finished product, the polished, glamorous version of filmmaking but the actual work of making a film was a struggle. “It’s every single day you’re just trying your best and working on it, you know, there’s a lot of self-doubt and everything that creeps in,” Ponto said. “But you must keep working, believing in yourself and trying to do the best that you can.” With Bati on the big screen, the hard work has paid off. “I feel strange seeing my work on the big screen but (I’m) also very happy and very proud of the team and the cast and crew behind me and the work that we’ve done,” he said. The film featured local scenery and surroundings that people can truly relate to in the islands. Ponto said Fiji was commonly perceived as a tourist destination with beaches and resorts, but he wanted to portray a different side of the country – especially unique locations in the capital, Suva, and the interior to add authenticity to the movie. Asked about the potential for Pacific films to gain international recognition, he said Fiji should focus on movies which were sustainable within the country, while leveraging off resources and infrastructure. “Fiji has advantages, such as cinemas, professional networks and the ability to distribute films in cinemas, which Fiji currently offers, compared to other Pacific islands like Tuvalu and Kiribati.” Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica said: “This is more than just a film release. It is a significant step forward for our Fijian cinema and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between our Pacific neighbours in telling our shared stories to the world. “What we see today is not just an artistic triumph; it is also a reminder of what the film industry can contribute to the Fijian economy and society.” In 2024, the film and television sector generated $FJD255 million in economic Activity. This in turn created more than 1200 local jobs and engaged over 280 service providers, ranging from transport to catering to technical support. “These are not many numbers. These are families supported, livelihoods strengthened, and communities empowered,” Kamikamica said. “We are committed to building a creative economy that is sustainable, inclusive and empowering, and we want to create an environment where Fiji’s stories are not only seen but valued around the world.” He said Fiji had long been a destination for overseas filmmakers seeking beautiful landscapes. “But our vision is bigger. We want Fiji to be more than just the location. First is good money,” Kamikamica said. “We will register the location. We want it to be a hub for storytelling, for training, for production and innovation. “We want our young Fijians to know that if they dream of acting, directing, producing or designing for film, these dreams can be realised right here at home.” Bati is a gripping boxing drama which tells the story of a humble Fijian security guard who chases his dream of becoming a professional boxer as he steps into the ring to support his struggling family. The movie is due to screen in New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and Papua New Guinea this August and September.