THE NEW OCEANIA

“Samoan-born Albert Wendt is a leading South Pacific novelist, poet and dramatist. This documentary profile was filmed in Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and Hawaii (where Wendt currently occupies the Citizens Chair at the University of Hawaii). He has also been a tireless teacher of creative writing, anthologist and champion of indigenous work across the Pacific. Made by one of New Zealand's leading documentary teams (including Leon Narbey the cinematographer of Whale Rider), the film draws its title from Wendt's essay, 'The New Oceania,' an early manifesto that encouraged all Pacific cultures to embrace change and accept the need for dissent: Without it our cultures will drown in self-love.' Tracing Wendt's life and career - with vivid dramatisations of his work - the documentary doubles as a history of cultural renewal in the Pacific. In particular it celebrates the explosion of creative activity by Pacific artists in New Zealand - writers, painters, dancers, rappers, and fashion designers. They look to Wendt as a forerunner and role model. Travelling to Samoa, Fiji and Hawaii with Wendt, talking to family and colleagues, and drawing on the rich archival heritage of filmed adaptations and earlier interviews, Horrocks delivers a rounded and engaging portrait of a charismatic, intellectual Pacific man who continues to make a very real difference..” www.hiff.org; 06/07/2006