Savage Symbols

Screened at the 2002 NZ International Film Festival, Savage Symbols looks at the art of traditional Samoan tattooing, or pe'a, which covers the lower back and upper legs. The film interviews nine men who have undergone the process, as well as locals and tefuga in Samoa, to discover the history of tatau. The men talk about the cultural significance of the tattooing, what it means to them, and although incredibly painful — with a long recovery period — the pride that the pe'a brings to their aiga and ancestors. Samoa-born producer and director Makerita Urale has helped put Pasifika titles on Aotearoa screens since 1995. 

Others say that overseas is better, I don't agree. They are not in control of their lives, they are ruled by the clock. They might be tired and sleepy but when the alarm goes off at 8 o'clock they have to go to work or else their children will starve. In Samoa, if you’re tired, you can sleep all day, or two days until you’re rested. When you wake up, you can send the kids to the plantation to get food. There is no suffering, or a boss telling me what to do.

– Lemauga Nafatali compares life in Samoa and in Aotearoa

Key Cast & Crew

Tamara Finau-Moir

Editor

Makerita Urale

Producer, Director

Arthur Rasmussen

Camera

Melanie Graham

Sound Mix

Pusi Urale

Language Advisor

Christopher Brown

Additional Camera