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The recent premiere of Bubu Belo, a heartfelt 25-minute short film, marks an exciting milestone for Fijian filmmaking. Sponsored by Film Fiji, the event celebrated the power of storytelling to bridge generations, preserve culture, and instill pride in Fijian identity. Written, directed, and produced by first-time filmmaker Adi Tulia Nacola, Bubu Belo is an extraordinary testament to creativity, resourcefulness, and the deep connection between people and their land.
A Vision Brought to Life
Speaking at the premiere, Nacola shared her journey into filmmaking: “I have just started in the industry, completing two film courses with Film Fiji that spanned over two years. It’s an exciting industry to be a part of, where stories come alive visually.”
Her film, shot entirely on a Samsung S21 Ultra, demonstrates how passion and determination can overcome limited resources. With a budget largely funded through support from Film Fiji, Nacola acquired a second-hand smartphone, a laptop for editing, and simple filmmaking equipment to bring her vision to life.
“This was a first for the actors and crew, who were both one and the same,” Nacola explained. “The cast were mainly youths, and they did amazingly. They were eager to bring this story to life because they believed in what we were doing.”
A Family Affair
Set in Verevere Village in Ra Province, the film captures the essence of life in Fiji’s rural communities. The cast included Nacola’s nieces, nephews, and her Nei Lusi as the lead character, making the project a true family endeavor.
“I wanted to write a story for Fijian communities here and abroad, especially for the youth,” Nacola said. “I wanted to show Fiji in its raw form, using natural light and sounds, incorporating our language, and sharing the silence and quiet that comes with living in our village environment.”
The Power of Storytelling
Bubu Belo explores themes of intergenerational relationships, respect for the land, and the importance of storytelling. It follows the bond between Bubu and her grandson, Tamarra, as she teaches him to live off the land while navigating a challenging decision when an uninvited guest arrives. The film highlights the tension between rural life and urban drift, a universal issue with unique significance in the Fijian context.
“Our knowledge is passed down through our stories, and our relationships are made stronger because of these stories,” Nacola said. “We need these stories now more than ever to mend our communities, to instill in our children a sense of pride for their beautiful vanua, to see themselves as a beautiful people, and to love their poetic language.”
Film Fiji’s Support
Film Fiji CEO Jone Robertson emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting local storytellers. “Adi Tulia’s experience as a novice producer proves that individuals do not necessarily need high-end expensive equipment to get into the business,” he said. “It’s about getting the message across on the visual platform that matters.”
Robertson highlighted the importance of local storytelling, saying, “Locals need to be the storytellers of what goes on in the country to save against lost translation. Film Fiji is supporting 60 film producers this year, and Adi Tulia was the first.”
Looking Ahead
Following the success of Bubu Belo, Nacola is already planning two more iTaukei-language productions for 2025, as well as her first English-language short film. To realize these projects, she is seeking financial support from government institutions and private donors.
“The motivation behind Bubu Belo was to prove to potential funders and grant providers that we have good raw stories to tell,” Nacola said. “With proper funding and assistance, we can produce great films about our land and people.”
A Shared Celebration
The premiere of Bubu Belo is just the beginning. Sponsored village screenings are set to bring the film to communities across Ra, showcasing the beauty of Fiji and the power of its stories. “We hope you enjoy this short film as much as we did making it,” Nacola said. “Vinaka.”
With its emphasis on community, culture, and creativity, Bubu Belo is a shining example of what can be achieved when storytelling meets passion and perseverance. Film Fiji’s sponsorship of this groundbreaking film underscores the organization’s dedication to nurturing Fijian talent and preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
