Sima Urale’s debut short film, beautifully realised in black and white, tells the story of a young Samoan boy who is expected to play guardian to his siblings. As his parents struggle in their new country, he is overwhelmed by the responsibility. When faced with his grief, the adults fail to recognise his pain. O Tamaiti won Best Short Film awards at film festivals around the globe, including the prestigious Silver Lion at Venice.
Tino, the eldest child of a Samoan immigrant family, has the job of looking after his siblings while his parents struggle with their new lives and work in New Zealand.
O Tamaiti is told from 11-year-old Tino's point of ...
Inspired by my own experience as a child growing up surrounded by relatives struggling with Samoan and Western cultures, O Tamaiti, is about the unconditional bond among children in Pacific Island families.
The story is seen ...
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Greetings from California Sima! I first watched this film on PBS, back in 1997 I think. And I even recorded it on VHS tape, when it played a second time. Since then I was never able to locate this recording anymore; I have been trying to watch this movie again somewhere via the internet or buy it off of Amazon or Ebay. Low and behold, I typed it in Google tonight and finally found a video link here. O Tamaiti is the first independent film I ever watched, I was 19 years old. It was the first authentic glimpse of a Samoan family I viewed, captured in motion pictures. This movie gives you a sense of that overwhelming responsibility that I am certain many children (especially Samoan) feel being the oldest of such a large and growing family. It's emotive and touching. I am half Samoan & half Filipino and this film really drew me closer to a heritage I am only partially familiar with. Thank you for bringing this film to life! I would love to watch more of your works.
Hi Sima, I love this movie! I just wanted to congratulate you on making such a beautiful film! The reason I liked it so much is because I can relate to it so well. I am part Samoan & part Maori and am the eldest of 14 and life was a real struggle being the eldest my brother died of cot death when i was 13 years old and life for me was exactly how it was in your film.I know you made this a long time ago but this is the first time I had seen it and it did tug on the old heart strings.You are a wonderful filmmaker and I hope to see more of your talent on the big screen.
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Naweed Qadir
Posted at 05.00PM - 28.09.2009
It's a beautiful touching movie. I come from totally different culture but it taught me so much about family and bonding. It's great movie.