Tatau

This short film charts a journey from pain to peace, as a man undertakes a Samoan rite of passage. The Pe’a is bestowed by Tufuga Ta Tatau, masters of Samoan tattoo, on those worthy to wear it. Tatau moves between past and present as Siaki (played by Rob Magasiva and Beulah Koale) yearns to complete his Pe’a before losing his sight. Chantelle Burgoyne made the film for her Screen Production Masters at Auckland University; she navigates the nuances of shame and vulnerability, and the importance of cultural heritage. Nominated for four awards at festival Show Me Shorts, Tatau won Best Student Film at Cinequest.

E te maua le malosi pe a mafai ona e iloa vaivaiga. (You gain strength when you can acknowledge weakness.)

– Sione (Vasa Tasele)

Key Cast & Crew

Rob Magasiva

As: Old Siaki

Beulah Koale

As: Young Siaki

Stacey Leilua

As: Sina

Chantelle Burgoyne

Director, Writer, Editor, Producer

Graeme E Bibby

Producer, Post-Production Supervisor, Second Camera Operator

Zanna Gillespie

Producer