Tides of the Truth Short Film Program

This collection of short films showcases narrative and documentary explorations, offering a contemporary and nuanced glance at Pasifika identity. The Ocean in Soonkahni/Salt Lake City A vibrant community portrait of Salt Lake City, Utah by local Tongan artist Afa 'Aikona. USA | Documentary | 8 Mins 44 Secs | 2025 Director: Āfā 'Aikona English Tuimaseve: A High Chief Story Two generations of Samoan high chiefs reflect on how leadership is evolving across the diaspora. USA | Documentary | 9 Mins 46 Secs | 2026 Director: Benjamin Pola English, Samoan Tales of the Diaspora A cinematic love letter to Pasifika youth navigating cultural identity while growing up away from home. UK | Documentary | 18 Mins 59 Secs | 2024 Director: Lidwina Tutuvanu English Vaimoe After living in America for over 40 years, Vaimoe moves back home to Samoa and reflects on her life. New Zealand, Samoa | Documentary | 16 Mins | 2024 Director: Edith Amituanai English, Samoan The Forest is a Spirit that Beckons Me A Chamoru woman journeys deep into the forest to find a cure for a sudden, mysterious family curse USA | Drama | 17 Mins 30 Secs | 2025 Director: Jacob Cruz-Rine Chamoru with English subtitles Firstborn A deeply personal Tongan drama exploring the tender balance of love, caretaking, grief, and legacy. New Zealand | Drama | 12 Mins 30 Secs | 2025 Director: Veisinia Moalapau'u Fulivai English, Tongan I Am Not Your Dusky Maiden A bold, culturally grounded exploration of trauma, identity, and indigenous healing during a powerful therapy session. New Zealand | Drama | 16 Mins | 2025 Director: Vea Mafile'o English, Samoan ------ Māsima: Pacific Islands Film Festival kicks off on June 23, with an exciting lineup that highlights acclaimed filmmakers and emerging voices from the Pacific Islander community. These films, touching on incredible stories of connection, traditions, resistance and much more, are curated and presented by Salt Lake Film Society, Utah Pacific Islands Knowledge 2 Action Resource and Utah Pacific Islands Film Series. Māsima 2026 is part of our annual Cultural Tours, a decade long celebration of history, culture, diversity and heritage of Utah communities.