The Orator

O Le Tulafale

Shot exclusively on the Island of Upolu in Samoa and in the local language, The Orator constructs a moving drama about courage, forgiveness and love. The leader of the story is Saili, who lives a simple and humble life with his beloved wife and their daughter, in a remote, traditional village. Forced to protect his land and family, Saili has to overcome his fears and find the courage to defend his loved ones.

Screening Schedule

No physical screenings scheduled.

Direction: Tusi Tamasese

Script: Tusi Tamasese

Cinematography: Leon Narbey

Editing: Simon Price

Sound: Tim Prebble

Music: Tim Prebble

Actors: Fa‟afiaula Sagote,Tausili Pushparaj, Salamasina Mataia, Ioata Tanielu

Production: O Le Tulafale, New Zealand Film Commision

Producers: Catherine Fitzgerald

Costumes: Kirsty Cameron

Production Design: Rob Astley

Format: DCP

Color: Color

Production Country: New Zealand, Samoa

Production Year: 2011

Duration: 111΄

Contact: New Zealand Film Commission

Awards/Distinctions: Special Mention (Orizzonti Competition), C.I.C.A.E. Award, CinemAvenire Award – Venice IFF 2011, Audience Award – Brisbane IFF 2011, Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Sound Design in a Feature Film – New Zealand Film and TV Awards 2012

Cultural Advisors: Manu Asafo Maugatai, Tuitautai Henry Tamasese

Film courtesy of Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission

Tusi Tamasese

Tusi Tamasese spent 18 years in his native Samoa, before moving to New Zealand and completing a double major in film and political science. After shooting the 2009 short film Sacred Places in Samoa with private funding, he directed his debut feature The Orator, which was made entirely in the Samoan language. This tale of an outsider in conflict with his community scored multiple honors at the 2011 Venice Film Festival. Tamasese followed it with the New Zealand-set father-and-daughter drama One Thousand Ropes; the tale of family and redemption was invited to premiere at the 2017 Berlin Film Festival.