Vai

2019

1h 30m

Drama

List

100%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

100%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

A woman embarks on a journey of empowerment.

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Dennis Harvey

Variety

Most portmanteau features are potluck. But "Vai" has a lovely consistency of style and content that heightens the accessibility of its unique value as a combined effort among eight native female directors from eight different Pacific Island cultures.

May 30, 2019

Full Review

Monica Castillo

RogerEbert.com

It isn't just gorgeous, it feels spiritually poignant, a reaffirmation of cultural identity and a showcase of the strength of women's stories.

Apr 22, 2019

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CJ Sheu

The News Lens International

Vai captures the multifaceted experience of being a Pasifika (Pacific Islander) woman while maintaining a dexterous continuity of style and mood.

Jun 27, 2020

Full Review

Jim Ross

TAKE ONE Magazine

The film manages to communicate the essence of common experiences whilst retaining cultural specificity. That the collection achieves this with a visual vibrancy and tonal coherence makes it all the more remarkable.

Feb 17, 2020

Full Review

Alex Heeney

Seventh Row

Taken together, the films paint a picture of the dominating influence of New Zealand and the importance of local culture and ritual, but also the increasing importance of education and the precarity of life on the land

Jan 13, 2020

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Kate Rodger

Newshub (NZ)

I found Vai to be deeply emmersive...

Rated: 4/5

Aug 23, 2019

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Steve T

A deep respectful and very intelligent film for our times. I loved this film and felt rather than watching I was taken on a sacred journey. My only criticism, and this can be made for many other films is the poor imaging of sub-titles almist impossible at times to read.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Absolutely beautiful film. Lush and gorgeous cinematography, and the portmanteau form fits here wonderfully. It is a celebration of indigenous women and cultures. Each of the vignettes has its own fantastic story, cast, and cultural significance, yet are woven together to tell a universal story about women's power, vulnerability, and leadership.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

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Becs Arahanga

Director

Amberley Jo Aumua

Director

Matasila Freshwater

Director

Dianna Fuemana

Director

Miria George

Director

Ofa Guttenbeil

Director

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Synopsis

A woman embarks on a journey of empowerment.

Director: Becs Arahanga, Amberley Jo Aumua, Matasila Freshwater, Dianna Fuemana, Miria George, Ofa Guttenbeil, Marina McCartney, Nicole Whippy, Sharon Whippy
Producer: Kiel McNaughton, Kerry Warkia
Screenwriter: Becs Arahanga, Amberley Jo Aumua, Matasila Freshwater, Dianna Fuemana, Miria George, Ofa Guttenbeil, Marina McCartney, Nicole Whippy, Sharon Whippy
Distributor: Vendetta Films
Production Co: Brown Sugar Apple Grunt Productions, Department of Post
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 27, 2019
Runtime: 1h 30m

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