Festivals and Events

The Heiva i Tahiti is the most beautiful expression of Polynesian culture. It’s a collective moment where an entire community unites to celebrate a shared ancestral culture that remains deeply ingrained in their daily existence.

Following months of research, costume-designing, and rigorous rehearsals, each dance troupe presents their aparima (traditional dances) portraying a legend from their respective island or district. These dances constitute a grand ballet of movements and steps passed down through generations, from fathers to sons and mothers to daughters, preserving the rich cultural heritage of Tahitian folklore.

The pulsating rhythm of the to’ere (wooden drum) serves as the ancestral heartbeat, a powerful force that sustains the memory of our forebears and links us to their legacy. This rhythmic heartbeat embodies the Mana, the spiritual essence that resonates within us, connecting past, present, and future generations.

The FIFO stands as a pivotal festival for documentary films in Oceania, shining a spotlight on the challenges, concerns, and sentiments experienced by the people of the Pacific Ocean.

It offers a distinctive platform for media and audiovisual professionals across the Pacific to showcase their work. Moreover, FIFO provides a valuable opportunity to connect with the directors and producers of selected films, as well as to participate in conferences, workshops, and other audiovisual events.

Having celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, the festival remains dedicated to shedding light on the ongoing concerns and challenges confronting the Oceania region.