AFI LOA

Role: Cinematographer, Editor, Colourist

Creative Director: Charlene Tedrow

Assistant Director: Tom Natoealofa

Gaffer: Julian Wagner

1st AC: Lukas Faulkner

Sound Recordist: Cody Wilcox

Musician / Sound Mix: Peter Hobbs

Sound Design: Ron Hailes-Paku

Fire Safety: Japeth Vaoa

Talent: Ura Tabu Dance Company, Wahine Toa Siva Afi

Location: Hell’s Gate (Paul Rayner & Scott Zhang)

Inspired by the eruption of Mt Matavanu in Saleaula Savaii - Samoa, there lies the ‘Virgin Taupou Grave’. All surrounding villages were destroyed by the lava flow, yet this grave lies completely unscathed, untouched. The Virgin Taupou (the high chief’s daughter) was so ‘pure’ it is said that the lava flowed around her grave.

This year’s Siva Afi exhibition delicately breathes new life into the story of this Taupou. It centres around the power of lava that not only exists in the belly of mother earth but synonymously, in the womb of every tama’ita’i. Our Taupou will journey across the moana guided by the gods; Mafui’e, Pele and Ruaumoko, where she discovers the power of fire. Thus, reminding us of the unified connection we have with the elements.

RED V RAPTOR / RED Komodo + Vazen 1.8x Anamorphics

Filmed in New Zealand February, 2023.