Red, White and Brass

Director Damon Fepulea'i's first feature is inspired by real events. When Wellington Tongan superfan Maka (John Paul Foliaki) fails to secure tickets to a hometown Rugby World Cup match between France and Tonga, he reaches for...the nearest trumpet. Maka rallies his mates into a last minute marching brass band to represent Tonga at the big game, and get into the stadium. In this trailer Maka's mates (including Dimitrius Koloamatangi from TV drama The Panthers) struggle with their lack of musical skills — not to mention instruments — while his elders are unconvinced. Suzy Cato plays an encouraging teacher.

It’s been straight māfana bringing this story to life, being surrounded by Tongan language, family and culture through the process. Koe taha ‘o e ngaahi taumu’a ‘o e faiva ko ‘eni kiate au, ko e fakamamafa’i ‘a e mahu’inga ‘o e tau lea moe ‘ulungāanga faka-Tonga, (My hope for the film is that it highlights the importance of our language and culture).

– Producer and co-writer Halaifonua (Nua) Finau on making Red, White and Brassed, Tagata Pasifika website, 5 September 2022

Key Cast & Crew

Suzy Cato

As: Liz (music teacher)

John Paul Foliaki

As: Maka

Andrew McGeorge

Cinematographer

Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi

As: Veni

Halaifonua Finau

Writer, Producer

Damon Fepulea'i

Director, Writer