2021 Okalani Film Festival

In celebration of Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga, Tongan language week, Pacific Islands Screen Artists and Nuku'alofa Film Festival bring you the online 2021 Okalani Film Festival - screening four Tongan Films followed by a special Q&A with the Directors:

Please note: PG – Parental guidance recommended for younger viewers contains themes of sexual abuse.

Felehuhuni Shot in Tonga and based on a well-known legend about Felehuhuni a beautiful supernatural ghost girl who has a tragic love story and is said to still haunt young couples in Tonga even today.

Directed by Michael Tohi and ‘Aloko’ulu ‘Ulukivaiola

Faka'anaua

A story of a young girl navigating culture and loss during a Tongan funeral.

Directed by Malani Wolfgramm

The Black Pen

A newly trained counsellor at a women's refuge comes face to face with the real challenges of investigating a case of child sexual abuse while juggling the demands of her personal life.

Written and Directed by 'Ofa-Ki-Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki

Tied Up

A young man finds himself in a tricky situation, can he get himself out in time?

Directed by Michael Tohi and ‘Aloko’ulu ‘Ulukivaiola

More about the Directors:

Malani Wolfgramm

Malani Wolfgramm is a Tongan filmmaker based in Haveluloto, Tonga.  He is a dedicated husband and father of three young children.  He is passionate about bringing Tongan stories to life and with sharing his culture and people with the his global family.

'Ofa-Ki-Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you" Maya Angelou

'Ofa is a New Zealand born Tongan activist and story-teller living and working in Tonga.  Through her activism she collects stories all over Tonga and the Pacific and is committed to sharing these stories with the world.  Returning to the Kingdom for a two-year 'finding my roots' in 2000, 'Ofa has remained in Tonga since, now 18.5 years later.   'Ofa is married to Nasili Likiliki of Kolomotu'a and together they have four full-on children who all support 'Ofa's dream to eventually make feature films for the big screen. 'Ofa's roots in Tonga on her mother's side: Vaini and on her father's side: Talau Vava'u and Fungamisi Vava'u with connections also to Malapo Tongatapu.

Michael Tohi and ‘Aloko’ulu ‘Ulukivaiola

‘Aloko’ulu ‘Ulukivaiola a local filmmaker born and raised in Tonga. He started hisdirecting career in 2015, filming a short documentary called “Keeping up with the Haua” that he submitted to the Nuku’alofa Film Festival. In 2016 ‘Aloko’ulu and Michael Patrick Tohi co-directed “Tied up” staring ‘Aloko’ulu and it was shown at the Nuku’alofa Film Festival 2016. In 2017 Michael Tohi was the director of “Felehuhuni” and ‘Aloko’ulu continued on his acting career as the lead male actor in it. Together with Michael Tohi they have made ads for local companies and NGOs.