Coco Talanoa — Entertainment / Page 1

🌺 Actress and Moana 2 star Auli'i Cravalho sits down with Coco Correspondent and PEAK Pasifika founder Kristian Fanene Schmidt to reflect on her journey in Hollywood, the importance of Pacific Islander representation, and her exciting future ahead.

The two discuss everything from working with Dana Ledoux Miller and the Moana team to Auli'i's upcoming birthday celebration filled with the best Pasifika feeds!

Moana 2 coming to cinemas November 27 2024 🎬

Uncover Pacific Heritage in Instruments of the Moana: A New Docuseries Exploring the Lost Sounds of the Pacific

Instruments of the Moana, the eight-part docuseries that offers an incredible journey into the musical heritage of the Pacific. Hosted by Samoan-Niuean storyteller Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava, this series spans Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue, and the Solomon Islands, where Tau’ili’ili revives traditional instruments that once defined island life. These unique instruments, nearly forgotten with time, held deep meaning and were central to cultural identity.

Reflecting on his mission, Tau’ili’ili shares, “Though I was born & raised in Samoa, my wife and I were blessed with parenthood as immigrants to Aotearoa. Our kids therefore, are children of the migration. And if Aotearoa is home, then it is my responsibility as a parent to provide information about elements from their ancestral home that were, and still are, important to their identity marker, that is beyond sports and entertainment.…more

In the wake of the Christchurch earthquake, sassy Samoan mother Mareta mentors her newly formed school choir to The Big Sing final. In NZ Cinemas Feb 27th 2025. Starring Anapela Polataivao, Antonia Robinson, Beulah Koale, Dalip Sondhi & Nicole Whippy

#TinaTheFilm #MikiMagasiva #AnapelaPolataivao

Cook Islands theatre is making waves on the New Zealand stage, and at the heart of this movement are two passionate creatives: Poe Tiare Tararo and Roy Iro. Their latest collaboration, Raru e Maruakaītā, a play based on a traditional Cook Islands fable, will debut at Te Pou Theatre in Henderson this November. 

Both Tararo and Iro are dedicated to bringing stories from their Cook Islands heritage to the forefront of theatre, creating a space where myths, legends, and contemporary experiences are celebrated.

Poe Tiare Tararo, the playwright and lead actor in Raru e Maruakaītā, has long been driven by the desire to preserve and share the stories of the Cook Islands. For her, theatre is more than just a form of artistic expression; it's a way to keep her culture alive. 

"I have always felt a responsibility to write about the stories that my grandparents and ancestors passed down.…more

Edenfest, Promiseland, Souled Out—massive line-ups, featuring some of the biggest international stars. But who’s behind these iconic festivals?

Pacific Island men, that’s who. It’s no surprise that such incredible events have emerged from our very own Polynesians, who are known for their talent and hard work.

In this case, the mastermind behind Festco AU is Bernard Kumar alongside the wider OG Festco team.

Emal Naim, the backbone of the company, Alex McDonell the Talent Agent that makes the big connections, and his Samoan Co-Founder who prefers to remain anonymous-but has been Bernard’s partner from day 1.

Hailing from Samoan, Fijian-Indian heritage, Bernard's rise from modest beginnings to a key player in the entertainment world is one for the books. Maybe even for Netflix one day. 

From growing up in the islands, to running some of the most successful concerts in Australasia. He remembers his day’s as a young kid in Fiji.…more

The Hawaiian Film Festival proudly celebrates its 44th year of promoting, educating, and showcasing filmmakers from the Asia-Pacific region. This year, the Festival will take place from October 2nd to November 10th across eight locations and islands.

The 2024 lineup features a star-studded selection of Pacific and local talent, including the highly anticipated world premiere of TINĀ, directed by Samoan-born, Aotearoa-based filmmaker Miki Magasiva.

TINĀ

is an inspiring, light-hearted yet rhythmic tear-jerker that tells the story of Samoan teacher Mareta Percival. Struggling after the death of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes, Mareta reluctantly takes on the role of substitute teacher at an elite, all-white private school. She finds that the seemingly privileged children are crying out for guidance, inspiration, and love. Drawing from her cultural roots, Mareta empowers her students by forming a choir, all while facing bias from a privileged community intent on keeping her in her place.…more

Celebrity Treasure Island is BACK and the cast includes a cohort of Pacific household names!

Bubbah - Samoan

Bubbah the comedian/writer/actor from South Auckland known for her crack up videos online, and backyard comedy shows put on for her beloved Saute Aukilani - and of course Tina from Turners! She’s taken mainstream media by storm with her most recent appearance in Taskmasters NZ. 

Bubbah is supporting the Pillars Charity “I chose Pillars NZ because they do mean as mahi with children of prisoners. A lot of their work is done with love and care in facilitating a space for families to grow and heal while their family members serve their prison sentence.…more

To celebrate NZ Music Month, Auckland Council presents 'Ka Mua Ka Muri'! Ka Mua Ka Muri is a whakataukī/māori proverb that loosely means to walk backwards into the future. This is referencing knowing where you’re from to know where you’re going.

Now in its third year, Ka Mua Ka Muri is a web series of music performances and interviews with Auckland musicians and songwriters working mostly in the underground/ fringes of the Tāmaki Makaurau music community.

Shot in the second-floor basement of the Auckland Central City Library, providing an intimate environment and a juxtaposition to the typical live performance venues.

Four Pasifika artists have been highlighted as part of this year's line-up, and they'll take to the stage at Kāhui St David's Church for a free, live performance for everyone to enjoy!

Sam V

Winner of 2023 Pacific Music Awards - Best Pacific Soul/RnB artist, Sam V is perhaps the finest male RnB voice in Aotearoa.…more

Hawaiian actor Jason Momoa had previously hinted that he is no longer on the market, but a new Instagram post has revealed his relationship with Puerto Rican actress Adria Arjona.

The actor posted pictures from a trip in Japan, where he can be seen embracing his new romantic partner, captioning the Instagram carousel, "Japan, you are a dream come true... sharing another amazing adventure with mi amor"

Momoa's new relationship comes two years after he and ex-wife Lisa Bonet announced their separation after more than 10 years together.

Despite their break-up, the exes have continued to co-parent their two kids: Lola, 16, and Nakoa-Wolf, 15.

#ReFresh But we can't forget when our very own Pani tried to make moves on the Aquaman actor😂

And when Uncle Sam questioned him about his lead role in the DC Studios movie

But did ya know...? Get to know our young artists Spdrtwnbby, Junior Soqeta and Ruby Coley as they round off some of our rapid fire questions about their journey and tastes in music 🎶🌺

Credits
Director: Brianna Fruean
Camera: Jason Crane
Sound: David Green
Editor: Sefa Taouma
Talent: Spdrtwnbby, Ruby Coley, Junior Soqeta