Red, White and Brass

Ignore my son. He's an idiot.

– Maka's Dad puts him in his place

Is this supposed to be a brass band or a plastic band?

– A trumpeteer rates his 'practise' instrument

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

Filmed entirely in Wellington, Emily Mafile'o's production design is *chef's kiss*. Every scene includes some element of red, every moment is embued with Tonga.

– Alessia Belsito-Riera in a review of the film, Regional News, 25 March 2023

Virtually every actor is a newcomer, yet so comfortable are they in their roles, they seem like veterans of the silver screen. Maka is Foliaki's first official acting role, and he is superb. But the entire cast should be recognised, as each character is played so authentically.

– Alessia Belsito-Riera in a review of the film, Regional News, 25 March 2023

This is the real deal - a true story. Knowing that brings so much more to this Tongan tale as does hearing the language and feeling the mafana, the warmth and infectious life love and spirit of Aotearoa's Pasifika heritage.

– Kate Rodger in a review of the film, Newshub, 25 March 2023