Synopsis

​ When Maka and Benny fail to get tickets to the most important game of their lives, they decide to form a traditional Tongan marching band to go to the game. They're a ragtag bunch, none of them know anything about marching, and they practice using plastic bottles and tin cans as instruments. They're a mess, and if they don't get it together, they'll embarrass the entire Tongan society in front of the whole world. But what begins as a selfish ploy to watch a rugby game turns into a journey of self-discovery, and Maka and Benny realize the importance of Tongan culture.

Program Note

​ When tickets for the match between Tonga and France sell out, Maka decides to join a brass band performing before the game in order to watch the match live. Together with a group of Tongan community friends who have never played an instrument before, they form an impromptu band. Their reckless challenge is filled with laughter, enough to make you forget that the film is based on a true story. However, when their dream is finally realized, the film, which started off as a clumsy comedy, suddenly turns into a heartfelt human drama of triumph. It is a heartwarming and pure film that brings a smile with its warm and innocent energy. (Jin. Cho)

Director

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  • Damon Fepulea'i
  • Damon Fepulea'i is an Aotearoa-born director of Samoan and European heritage. In 2002, Fepulea'i wrote and directed Watermark, a short film that tells the story of a young girl who is caught by the rising tide while out spearfishing. The film debuted at Rotterdam Film Festival and was invited to 20 international festivals including Locarno, Edinburgh, Tampere and has won awards for Best Film, Actress and Cinematography. Damon has been committed to Pacific storytelling through his career. Red, White & Brass is Fepulea'i's feature film debut.