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. 

We are going on third generation now, and the reality really is that although we have a homeland to return, I think we’ve pretty much made ourselves here in New Zealand a home.

– Church Minister Rodney Leleisi’uao

Key Cast & Crew

Makerita Urale

Producer, Director

Tamara Finau-Moir

Editor

Arthur Rasmussen

Camera

Melanie Graham

Sound Mix

Pusi Urale

Language Advisor

Christopher Brown

Additional Camera