For more than a century, Samoan families have crossed the Pacific Ocean in search of opportunity, education, military service, and a better future for their children. Their journey helped shape communities throughout Hawaii, California, Nevada, Utah, and across the United States.

Yet this remarkable American story has never been fully told.

THE VOYAGE is a cinematic documentary series that chronicles the migration of Samoan people from the islands to America through the voices of elders, veterans, athletes, entertainers, community leaders, and everyday families who lived the experience.

This project is deeply personal to me.

My name is Liu "Gizz" Letuli, creator and executive producer of The Voyage. I was born in Los Angeles and raised in American Samoa before returning to California as a young boy. Like many Samoans, I grew up between two worlds—holding onto the values, traditions, and culture of the islands while navigating life in America.

For years, I dreamed of telling this story.

Today, that dream is becoming a reality.

Our team has already completed more than 40 hours of interviews and production footage, documenting the stories of respected community leaders, professional athletes, entertainers, military veterans, educators, and cultural voices whose experiences represent generations of sacrifice, perseverance, and achievement.

The Voyage is not simply a documentary series—it is a historical preservation project designed to ensure that future generations understand the journey, struggles, contributions, and triumphs of Samoan people throughout America.

We are now at a critical stage of production.

To complete Episode One, we must travel to American Samoa and Hawaii to capture key interviews, cultural footage, historical locations, and community stories that connect the beginning of this migration journey to the lives Samoans have built throughout the United States. These final pieces are essential to completing the story with authenticity and historical accuracy.

Your contribution will directly support:

• Travel and production expenses in American Samoa and Hawaii

• Interviews with elders, historians, cultural leaders, and community members

• Historical and cultural footage connecting Samoa, Hawaii, and the United States

• Professional editing, sound design, color correction, and post-production

• Completion and delivery of Episode One for distribution opportunities

This mission became even more meaningful after the recent loss of our beloved cinematographer and creative partner, Gib Sarmiento, whose talent, dedication, and vision helped shape The Voyage from its earliest days. Gib believed deeply in this project and in the importance of preserving these stories. Completing The Voyage is also a commitment to honoring his legacy and the countless hours he invested bringing this vision to life.

The Voyage is more than a documentary.

It is a historical record.

It is a cultural preservation project.

It is a tribute to the generations who crossed an ocean with faith, sacrifice, and determination to create opportunities for those who followed.

With your support, these stories will not be lost.

Together, we can preserve an untold chapter of American history and ensure that future generations understand the journey that helped shape our communities.

Thank you for believing in this mission and for joining us on The Voyage.

To view our trailer, pitch deck, and learn more about the project, please visit:

paradisevalleynorthproductions.com

Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps bring this important story one step closer to completion.