Teine Sā - The Ancient Ones (excerpts)

In these excerpts from anthology series Teine Sā, ancient Pasifika deities make their presence felt in modern day Aotearoa. In episode one (also called Teine Sā), ambitious artist Ana (Frankie Adams) visits her Nana's house and rubs her cousin up the wrong way. Naked Samoan Mario Gaoa directs episode two, about female atua (spirit) Tapuitea punishing a dodgy playboy (Michael Koloi). Then in Ahi, a developer (Joe Naufahu) and his non-binary child (Lijah Maega) almost run over a mysterious hitchhiker. Finally, in the Solomon Island inspired Hiama, a bullied girl (Elsie Polosovai) is visited by her spiritual guide. 

Projects like this can be really tapu and sacred; we have to navigate it carefully and thoughtfully and, hopefully, do the best job. We won’t always get it right but it is still a step forward.

– Matasila Freshwater, who directed episode four (Hiama), The Spinoff, 20 May 2021

Key Cast & Crew

Matasila Freshwater

Director, Writer (episode 4)

Mario Gaoa

Director, Writer (episode 2)

Mario Faumui

Director (Episode 1)

Vela Manusaute

Director (episode 3)

Frankie Adams

As: Ana (episode 1), Te'a (ep 2), Ahi (ep 3), teacher (ep 4), Sina (ep 5)

Joe Naufahu

As: Eli (episode 3)