Coco Talanoa — Entertainment / Page 2

Tongan Filmmakers Luciane Buchanan and Vea Mafileo have taken Sundance film festival by storm. Where their short film was selected out of an outstanding 17,000 applications.

“Lea Tupu’anga / Mother Tongue,”  follows the journey of a young Tongan speech language therapist. This unique tale unfolds the dynamic between the therapist, fluent in English only, and her client, who exclusively communicates in Tongan.

Written by Luciane Buchanan and Directed by seasoned Documentary Director Vea Mafile’o, the two reflect on what it means as Tongan women in the scripted space at Sundance.

Mafile’o stated “It’s pretty overwhelming and a super exciting space to be in…Previous Polynesian NZFC films that have screened here have been by a handful of Māori and Samoan directors. They really have paved the way for Luciane and I.…more

The talented, young and ambitious dynamic creative duo - Leki Jackson-Bourke and Saale Ilaua launch their the newly formed arts company - Strictly Brown with all the noise of a world premiere. For the brown by the brown, Pring It On brings the comedy, drama and moves to the Māngere Arts Centre for five shows only, from Jan 31 - Feb 3, 2024.

Pring It On is a parody of the popular American cheerleading film, Bring It On (2000). Set against the backdrop of Polyfest, the story shines lights on the behind the scenes dramas of preparing for the world’s largest Secondary School’s Pacific Dance Festival.

When Penina auditions for the Samoan Cultural group all she wants to do is dance. But her new ways don’t meet with the approval of the girl boss - Becky.…more

Hawaiian actress Auli'i Cravalho (who plays Janis 'Imi'ike) sits down with our Coco Correspondent, Kristian Fanene Schmidt to talk all things 'fetch' in the upcoming musical film, 'Mean Girls.'

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Interviewer: Kristian Fanene Schmidt
Editor: Laura McBeath
Talent: Auli'i Cravalho

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

"I don't crave it as much as I'm called to it." Jason Momoa breaks down his tattoos. From the "On the Roam" arm tattoo he got with his team to his signature shark-tooth head tattoo, the actor shares the stories behind his ink.

Jason Momoa returns as Aquaman in the sequel to the highest-grossing DC film of all time: “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”

Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all.

This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance.

Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.

Jason Momoa recently appeared on the 'Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon', where he talks about hosting Saturday Night Live for a second time, working to stop single-use plastic with his water company Mananalu Pure Water and starring in 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.'

Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all.

This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force.

To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.…more

Kānaka Maoli actor and 'Aquaman' star, Jason Momoa, returns to the SNL stage to host the popular American skit comedy show for the second time. We've got all the segments here for you!

In his Opening Monologue, He talks about growing up Iowa, before moving back to Hawaii and getting a job on Baywatch! Today, he is an environmentalist and wants to save the whales and.. SpongeBob!?

Old-Timey Movies

A researcher delving into L. Frank Baum's work unveils recently discovered footage. Set in early 1900s New York City, the film captures Baum engrossed in writing on a park bench. Shot at a slower frame rate, the film accelerates the movement of people, and amidst this, a bystander and his friend repeatedly interrupt, captivated by the film camera.

Rome Song

Wives lament about their forlorn marriages, feeling disconnected from their enigmatic husbands. Their minds wander to Ancient Rome as they sing vulnerably of their longing.

Nightclub Line

Marcello Hernandez and Jason Momoa find themselves in the awkward position of politely turning away club hopefuls who don't meet the attractiveness criteria.…more

Dwayne Johnson talks about using his Acorns card to surprise customers at FAO Schwarz, working with Oprah to start the People's Fund of Maui to help support survivors of the Maui wildfires and celebrating his mother Ata's 75th birthday.

In the second part of the interview Dwayne discusses his return to WWE SmackDown and confirms that he will be playing Maui in the live-action remake of Moana.

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Video credits: 

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa (NZSO) and Signature Choir with Live Nation present Mana Moana, an incredible musical experience coming to Auckland’s Spark Arena for one night only Friday November 24, 2023.

Mana Moana is a celebration and fusion of two worlds of music colliding, with 80 choral singers and 78 NZSO musicians on stage showcasing thegorgeous harmonies and rich melodies of traditional songs from across Pasifika islands.

After selling out in 2022 in Wellington, this energetic, unique, and emotional celebration will bring traditional and contemporary songs from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau to Auckland for this special community event.

For complete tour and ticket information, click here.

A collaborative journey to celebrate and promote the languages and stories of Pasifika, in 2022 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa (NZSO) and Signature Choir created high-quality audio recordings and videos of Pasifika songs in partnership with RNZ, followed by a live performance at Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.

Now this incredible musical experience comes to Auckland’s Spark Arena in November 2023.…more