An Island Calling

We were still British, we were still colonial. Suva was a European town — it was a white place ... Not only was it run by Europeans, there were whole suburbs of Europeans running the government. Even bank tellers were Europeans. Fijians were not allowed to come in freely until 1966.

– Fijian lawyer Jon Apted describes Suva in the 1960s

smart, engrossing...

– NZ Herald reviewer Peter Calder

John and I were bought up to feel very responsible about our connection with Fiji — the fact that we were born here — and our father Maurice put us under quite a lot of pressure to continue the so-called Scott legacy.

– Owen Scott, on his family's connection to Fiji

The jury commended the film for its ability to interweave numerous complex story strands while retaining clarity and great storytelling, as well as for its openness and refusal to pass judgement.

– Press release on An Island Calling winning the top prize at Pacific documentary festival FIFO, 9 February 2009

An unspoken alliance developed between Fijian chiefs and the European elite. There was a shared fear of what was perceived as the growing political and economic power of the Indian community.

– An Island Calling co-writer and narrator Owen Scott on Fiji