Summary
“Fatongia” (pronounced fa-toe-knee-uh) is a deeply rooted Tongan concept of mutual responsibility and care. It’s also the central theme of our short documentary project of the same name. Informed by decades of ethnographic research, Fatongia seeks to understand how Tongans are impacted by climate change, natural disasters, and emigration in their everyday lives.
At the heart of Fatongia is the Mataele family. The family is split between two islands in Tonga, an eight-hour ferry ride apart. Parents Auka and Simaima live on Ha’afeva, a remote island of just 200 people and Auka’s ancestral home. Their four children attend school on Tongatapu, the country's main island with a population of 75,000. Their story reflects the broader challenges faced by many Tongans, as families are forced to leave their homes due to limited economic opportunities, climate events, and tsunamis.
Audiences are invited to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific and the quiet challenges of island life through the eyes of spearfishermen.
Waves crashing, children playing, fry oil popping, and reggae music floating from a neighbor’s yard will set the stage for our story. Audiences will bear witness to some of the more private aspects of life, including food preparation, friendly gossip, family meal time, kava drinking, singing, and other day-to-day activities.
Fatongia is a story about challenge and hope, tradition and adaptability, and above all, the importance of family.
About Us
This project is directed by Dr. Adrian Viliami Bell and Ella Warnick.
Dr. Adrian Viliami Bell is professor of anthropology at the University of Utah. Born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Ha’apai, Tonga and Nelson, New Zealand, Dr. Bell has been researching migration, cultural shifts, and traditional knowledge since 2008. He hopes to offer a perspective on Tongan culture and society often overlooked by mainstream media.
Ella Warnick is a Utah-based director and cinematographer whose passion lies in exploring the relationship between humans and the natural world. Her previous work highlights Indigenous resistance to land destruction and resource contamination in Utah. Recognizing the weight these topics hold, Ella brings an empathic and intentional presence to every project.
Impact
Fatongia calls attention to the lived experiences of ordinary Tongans–the foundation of Tongan culture and society. This documentary fills a crucial gap for members of the Tongan diaspora, many of whom live abroad and experience a deep nostalgia for home.
To make this film a reality, we need to raise $25,000 for post-production expenses. This will cover the cost of editing software and equipment, our team, and marketing expenses.
Your contribution to this film is a contribution to increased awareness, appreciation, and elevation of Pacific Islanders.
With love,
The Fatongia Team