Tala Pasifika - Talk of the Town (Tala o le Taulaga)

Directed by actor Lani Tupu (Country GP), this award-winning tale focuses on Cindy (Henry Ah-Foo Taripo), a fa'afafine living and working in Auckland. Cindy breaks the fourth wall from her dressing room, to tell the story of being a teenager named Sione (Sani Muliaumaseali'i) and immigrating from Samoa to Aotearoa. Across two timelines, the young Sione struggles with her new home and her gender expression, while adult Cindy enjoys a successful performing career. The story was inspired by beloved entertainer Cindy Filo (aka Cindy of Samoa). Taripo won an acting award at indigenous festival Dreamspeakers in Canada. 

Yep, they used to call me a real bush queen, sister. I was fresh off the boat. Took me a long time to get used to living in this city. My mother, she sent me here from Samoa to live with my Aunt in Ōtara.

– Cindy (Henry Ah-Foo Taripo) looks back on life

Key Cast & Crew

Lisa Taouma

Writer

Henry Ah-Foo Taripo

As: Cindy

Ruth Kaupua

Producer, Casting

Sani Muliaumaseali'i

As: Sione

Lani Tupu

Director

Lina Leilua

As: Cindy's Mother