For My Father's Kingdom

Director Vea Mafile'o's Tongan father Saia drives this deeply personal film. Vea raises thorny questions about the relationship between money and the church in Tongan culture, questions that caused her Kiwi/Tongan family pain. Pensioner Saia Mafile'o's dedication to raising large amounts of money for Misinale (an annual church celebration) upset his children and splintered his marriage. Mafile'o returns to Tonga with her father and siblings, to attend the Misinale and learn why the financial sacrifice matters to him. The documentary debuted at the 2019 Berlin Film Festival.

There are two types of Tongan; a laughing Tongan, and a crying Tongan. Guess which one I am.

– Vea Mafile'o's brother reflects on his complicated love for his father

Key Cast & Crew

Vea Mafile'o

Co-Director, Writer, Subject, Producer

Jeremiah Tauamiti

Co-Director, Cinematographer

Sandra Kailahi

Producer

Saia Mafile'o

Subject

Briar Prastiti

Composer

Emma Conroy

Production Manager