Breaking bread: Navigating contemporary screen narratives through a traditional Sāmoan storytelling lens

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION How can indigenous scriptwriting practitioners keep traditional Sāmoan stories alive within a contemporary screen art form?

ABSTRACT My creative practice-led research weaves traditional Pasifika forms of storytelling with contemporary screen arts storytelling methods through a Sāmoan lens. Breaking Bread, is a triptych series that integrates fāgogo (traditional performance art), tatau (traditional tattoo) and faʻamatai (governance) into the written scripts and script writing processes.

Due to the escalation of PASIFIKA PEOPLE living within the diaspora, traditional Pasifika stories have become increasingly popular across all storytelling media, particularly in screen formats from the South Pacific. Although Pasifika/Māori filmmakers contribute a small percentage to screen works produced worldwide, a significant number of films produced in Aotearoa are from those that identify as TAGATA MOANA, indigenous Pasifika/Māori filmmakers. Despite the success and overall popularity of these films, Pasifika/Māori stories are often conveyed through a western lens to suit a western audience.

My creative practice-led research contributes to the future of Pasifika storytelling by bringing Pasifika methodologies to Pasifika scriptwriting and storytelling processes. Celebrating the digital era that is the 21st century with a new wave of emerging Pasifika voices, my research extends beyond Pasifika people being seen on screen. Rather it speaks to story sovereignty, reclamation and the survival of Pasifika cultures.