Inky Pinky Ponky Film - Get to know Sesilia Pusiaki
Sesilia Pusiaki (pictured above on the right) plays the main character Lisa's (played by Amanaki Faletau pictured left) mother in the smash hit CoconetTV original 'Inky Pinky Ponky' film.
The actress hails from the villages of Lapaha by way of Tatakamotonga, Atata and Makahilitaha. She played Hepi Lomu in the TV Mini Series, 'Jonah'. She played Lote in 'Kingdom of Lote', the first Tongan Theatre Play written by Suli Moa and Produced by Kila Kokonut Krew. Sesilia directed and choreographed NZ's first full length Tongan Contemporary Dance -Theatre show 'Sei 'o fafine' as well as the first Traditional Tongan Heritage Dance theatre piece 'Pukepuke 'o Tonga'.
In 2017 she established 'Pukepuke 'o Tonga' as a family led company that produced 'Lomipeau Aotearoa' the 1st Traditional Tongan Music album, a collection of the Late Queen Salote Tupou III poetry that was set to Vili Pusiaki's musical compositions.
Sesilia is currently the Creative Director of 'Pukepuke 'o Tonga Productions' that she runs alongside her siblings who are dedicated to providing community based initiatives that focuses on Preserving Tongan Culture, Heritage and way of Life here in Aotearoa.
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What inspired you to get into acting?
The ability to tell stories. Stories of people who were here, stories of living people, stories inspired by others and stories purely created by one's imagination.
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Can you describe your character?
She is a Tongan mother who is loving, protective and tries her best to raise her child the proper Tongan way considering all that she has been through. She is hopeful that by being a diligent Tongan mother, everything will be ok.
How do you personally relate to and/or differ from your character?
I relate because I grew up surrounded by strong, loving, faithful, God fearing mothers who regardless of what I was going through they were always there by my side supporting and cheering me on. I differ because I have never been through the experience of having a child that went through the same experience as Mrs Kailu (my character).
As a mother of a young family, 4 daughters and 1 son, I know of and have heard stories of Tongan families who have gone through the same experiences and not just this generation but for many generations before.
Who are your biggest creative inspirations and why?
My Family. I am fortunate to have grown up surrounded by a creative family. My paternal Great Grandfather was a Punake, his son was also a Punake and my father and his siblings have all followed in their footsteps. My mother and her siblings are also very creative and are amazing singers and writers.
What was one of your highlights working on 'Inky Pinky Ponky'?
It's always a beautiful experience working on a Pacific set, where every department of Production is a reflection of you. Pacific people telling pacific stories.
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What do you hope people will take away from 'Inky Pinky Ponky' after watching?
That the greatest gift of all is Love. If we look with love, speak with love and embrace with love then it's easier for us to show other kindness and support even in times we do not understand.
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UPDATE: Sesilia Pusiaki was awarded 'Best Supporting Actress' for her performance in Inky Pinky Ponky at the 2023 New Zealand TV Awards!
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