Myths & Maidens - Brown Triumph

Myths & Maidens Part 4

Our indigenous joy and expressions of cultural pride are becoming more and more important as acts of colonial resistance, and Pacific women across the Moana are bringing powerful narratives to the fore in politics, social activism, performance, film and music.

From the power of the play ‘Savage Coloniser’, the smash hit film ‘Inky Pinky Ponky’ to the global sensation ‘Hot Brown Honey’ and the joy of trans women leading the Ballroom scene - these are dynamic stories of brown triumph in the face of a world that continues to punch down on brown women. 

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‘MYTHS AND MAIDENS’ is a rich tapestry of stories from women in Samoa, Hawaii, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Aotearoa.

A Coconet TV original, the hour long documentary delves into the sticky issues of colourism, fat-phobia, and how our societies have been taught to view women of colour across the ages.

In this love letter to Moana women, we look at the collective trauma, challenges and inequities for women across Pasifika - and how in the face of this, the celebration of ourselves is an act of colonial resistance.

Hollywood films, beauty pageants, and TV representations sit alongside the power of Pasifika performance and our own storytelling to present a crackling canvas of old and new narratives.

The 60min feature documentary offers up the Talanoa and the tea from many different fafine across the Moana - from politicians, artists, farmers to beauty queens, sports women and activists these are the spicy coco- conversations we have been waiting for!

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR TAMA’ITA’I TOA - TOFILAU YOLANDE AH CHONG