The Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies is organizing a two-day event on January 27 and 28, featuring renowned filmmaker and playwright Dr. Vilsoni Hereniko. Dr. Hereniko, originally from Rotuma and currently a professor at the University of Hawai’i’s School of Cinematic Arts, is celebrated for his contributions to the preservation of Pacific heritage through storytelling and film.

The event will kick off on January 27 with a Weaving Master Class from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, where participants can learn the traditional craft of coconut leaf basket weaving. In the afternoon, Dr. Hereniko will conduct a Directing & Acting Master Class from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, offering participants practical guidance in film and theatre direction and acting.

On January 28, a film screening will take place from 7:15 PM to 9:30 PM, featuring three of Dr. Hereniko’s acclaimed short films: “A NIU Way” (2021), “Sina ma Tinirau” (2022)—which has received multiple awards—and the ocean premiere of “Woven” (2024). Following the screening, there will be a special performance by Rako Pasefika and a post-screening discussion, providing deeper insights into the films and their cultural significance.

While the master classes have limited spaces and require registration via katrina.igglesden@usp.ac.fj, the film screening is open to the public without registration.

This event promises a unique opportunity to engage with Dr. Hereniko, one of the Pacific’s most celebrated cultural figures, and offers an enriching experience for those interested in the arts and storytelling rooted in Pacific heritage.

Such initiatives not only foster cultural appreciation but also encourage community discourse on the importance of storytelling in preserving identity. This event illustrates a commitment to celebrating Pacific arts and highlights the vital role of cultural exchange and education in fostering future generations’ understanding and respect for their heritage.