Director, POSE Production PTE Limited, Rasika Reshma,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Members of the Media,
Bula Vinaka and Good Evening,
I have the pleasure to be here at the official launch of the movie “Him – The Angry One”.
Through this movie, Ms Rasika Reshma has tried to capture the struggle of a deportee and victim of substance abuse.
Based on real-life experiences, this movie is a memoir of a person’s encounter with a deportee. She has tried to create awareness of the adversity of drugs on its victims. Something of a common occurrence all over the world.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Movies articulate a universal language. It has meaning and relevance for all everyone, regardless of our nationality, age, culture or social backgrounds. As a popular means of modern art, movies break barriers between people, underscoring the values, feelings and longings that are shared by us.
I am told, the production of this movie involved countless hours of work and took over a month to film.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
One of the best results of this production is that – through it – over 30 Fijians got jobs. And we all know how important securing employment. I’m also glad to learn the production took place in the vicinities like Suva City, Vatuwaqa and Lami. This has opened up opportunities for more shootings to be held in these locations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Valued at $35,000, the production of “Him – The Angry One” was made possible through the support of Matrix Fiji, AP Legal, Life Cinema and Damodar Cinemas. Thank you.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The audio-visual industry is increasingly becoming a critical industry, especially in economic recovery post-COVID. And as a COVID Contained nation – we have the freedom of movement, the freedom to safely resume opportunities like filming at a time where major economies still have the highest restrictions.
Fiji’s COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce has been working with relevant agencies such as Film Fiji, to set safe health and safety protocols. Today, this has enabled the US Survivor Series to begin shooting Season 41 and 42. The US Survivor has a budget of over $91 million, and a spend in Fiji of approximately $30 million. They will employ 400 Fijian during the production.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We may not have any of the big ‘wonder of the world’, but I’m sure we can all agree, we offer some of the world’s most precious sites, with established network of telecommunications and infrastructure that make us a production paradise, especially now.
We have put in place stringent quarantine protocols through the Fijian COVID Safe Economic Framework. It is important that all production adhere to the strict protocols for international arrivals. The procedures put in place have ensured that not only the film crewing follow all the COVID quarantine procedures and that all Fijians are safe.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We also have the advantage of having such a young, diverse, and create population. We have been nurturing local talent over the years. Recently, the Ministry announced winners of the “Mobile Movie Competition”, which replaced the 2020 Kula Awards. Today, nearly 6 months later, we are gathered to witness a Fijian filmmaker utilising their creative skill.
Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has unfavorably impacted the global and national economy including our daily lives, it has also become a driver of ingenuity and innovation. Like never before, domestic film-makers should become empowered to become agile participants in economic activities. By investing in our film-makers, we are adding to their capacity to succeed.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
So, one would ask what this means for local filmmakers like Rasika Reshma, lead actors like Peniasi Loco and local production companies like POSE Production PTE Limited. It means local film-makers, lead actors and production houses have the opportunity to work alongside international film-makers boosting confidence within the industry.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Rasika, we can say, is an experienced film-maker, having previously produced films like “Enduring Hope”, now “Him – the Angry One”, she is now venturing into a new project called LO4T (Loft). She has planned to produce two movies every year, and is taking her journey as a local film-maker to the next stage – so today marks a significant step for a young and aspiring woman like Rasika to gain ground in the local film scene.
I hope that Rasika will set an example for other Fijian film-makers to use their skill to raise issues affecting our families, society and the nation as a whole. I look forward to more local movies being produced in the future.
Tonight, we will appreciate true Fijian talent. This movie tells us that there is a need for us to open up about substance abuse in our homes, schools and the wider community to overcome its countless adversities and tragedies. In the future, I hope local filmmakers create more movies to help grow the industry, similar to that of those involved in the production of “Him – The Angry One”.
Ladies and Gentleman,
Coming back to tonight’s events, once again, I thank you all for being here with us this evening, and I wish you all a wonderful evening. Vinaka.