Fiji-born actor Anand Raj Naidu, the lead star of the independent film Stranded Pearl, is optimistic that the film’s increasing international visibility will pave the way for larger production opportunities in the future. According to Naidu, the film, despite its independent nature, has garnered substantial attention from mainstream media in India, which could significantly open doors for bigger projects.
At the recent 8th Moonwhite Films International Film Festival (MWFIFF 2025) held in India, Stranded Pearl achieved notable recognition by winning awards for Best Male Actor, Best Female Actor, and Best Supporting Female Lead. This acclaim further enhances the film’s standing in the industry, and Naidu hopes it will help generate interest in future works.
The film had its release in September 2024 across 35 cinemas in regions including New Zealand, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, and it has since reached a wider audience through various streaming platforms. Notably, it has been released on Amazon Prime by Naidu’s US distributor, Indie Rights, making it accessible in the USA, UK, and Australia. Additionally, viewers can find it on select airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, Air Tahiti Nui, Fiji Airways, and Air New Zealand, with availability on Air Tahiti starting January 1, 2026.
In an effort to expand its reach further, Naidu mentioned that the film was made available on YouTube four weeks ago and has already garnered 336,000 views. Expressing his ambitions, he stated, “I would really like the views to exceed over a million and beyond. Achieving such numbers will significantly enhance my prospects for creating larger films and promote local talent on an international scale.”
Naidu is advocating for increased publicity and support for Stranded Pearl, stressing its importance as a platform to showcase Pacific talent on the global stage. As the film continues to attract attention, there is hope that it will inspire future productions that highlight the unique stories and talents of the Pacific Islands.
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