TEFISI (2025) | Short Documentary

SYNOPSIS In this intimate short documentary, the coastal community of Tefisi in Tonga’s Vava’u Islands shares their evolving bond with the sea. At the centre is a locally led marine protected area with a no-take zone, created to safeguard ocean life for future generations. As the villagers navigate the fragile balance between conservation and daily survival, their voices reveal deep cultural ties to the ocean and the challenges of sustainable fishing in a changing world. DETAILS Genre: Short Documentary Running Time: 13:34 Minutes Language: Tongan, English Subtitles Music: Recordings by David Fanshawe (1978) Production Companies: NO SIX & VPON Media Release Date: December 2025 © 2025 Teena Brown Pulu, Niko Meredith, Rewi Amoamo, Sylvester Tonga. All rights reserved. PRODUCTION TEAM Writer, Executive Producer: Teena Brown Pulu Producer, Director: Niko Meredith Cinematographer: Rewi Amoamo Interviewer: Sylvester Tonga Location Assistant: Sanitesi ‘Ofa CAST | COASTAL COMMUNITY Tefisi Town Officer: Seti Palei Tupou Tefisi Marine Zone Committee: Liku ‘o Hihifo Koniseti Tefisi Fisher: Frank Tu’inukuafe Tefisi Gleaner: Kalotia Pita ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Tefisi Village, Vava’u Ministry of Fisheries, Tonga FUNDED BY TE ARA POUTAMA Community Research Grant, Auckland University of Technology (AUT)