56m
Women across the Pacific delve into colourism, fatphobia, & how our societies have been taught to view women of colour.
Opinion & strong language.
Available only in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.
Series details.
Moana women have long been sold to the world as light-skinned South Seas sirens, ever welcoming the white man. But our true stories will take you down a rabbit hole of reality that is far removed from this postcard of paradise...
Myths & Maidens is a rich tapestry of stories from women in Samoa, Hawaii, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Aotearoa. A Coconet TV original, the hour-long documentary delves into the sticky issues of colourism, fatphobia, and how our societies have been taught to view women of colour across the ages.
In this love letter to Moana women, we look at the collective trauma, challenges, and inequities for women across Pasifika -- and how, in the face of this, the celebration of ourselves is an act of colonial resistance. Hollywood films, beauty pageants, and TV representation sit alongside the power of Pasifika performance and our own storytelling to present a crackling canvas of old and new narratives.
We offer up the talanoa and the tea from many different fafine across the Moana, from politicians, artists, and farmers to beauty queens, sportswomen, and activists. These are the spicy coco-conversations we have been waiting for!
Credits
Kay Ellmers
Executive Producer
Lisa Taouma
Producer & Director
Awards
Produced by
Tikilounge Productions
Made with the support of
Get in touch
Email us at: commissioning@rnz.co.nz
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