Passion vs. Tradition: Inside the Story of ‘Fili’

Fili Tanuvasa, a recent graduate torn between following his father’s footsteps in football or pursuing his hidden passion for acting, is at a crossroads in an upcoming film “Fili.” Directed by Peter Filimaua, the story draws inspiration from Filimaua’s personal experiences growing up in the Samoan culture and navigating his own path between sports and film.

Filimaua shared, “Football, for me, was always just a hobby; I knew I wanted to pursue film at an early age.” This move was supported by his parents but one that isn’t always common in the Polynesian community.

The production of “Fili” brought together a close-knit crew, consisting of friends, family, and fellow film school alumni. Filimaua described the experience as akin to working with an extended family. However, he admitted that planning the shooting schedule presented challenges. Despite the stress of pre-production, the team managed to execute their vision over seven shooting days, including a pickup day.

Reflecting on the process, Filimaua stated, “I firmly believe in doing the best I can with what I’m given.” He expressed gratitude for the growth experienced both as a filmmaker and as a person, emphasizing that all lessons learned are valuable for future projects.

For aspiring filmmakers, Filimaua offered advice, saying, “Don’t let anyone make you doubt yourself. Your innate intuition in this craft will take you a long way.” He encouraged preserving that intuition at all costs.

As “Fili” gears up for its screening at the Utah International Film Festival from February 12 to 17, audiences can learn more about the director and future projects by visiting Filimaua’s website, filifilms.com.

“Fili” is a heartfelt exploration of identity, passion, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams, resonating with audiences far beyond the confines of the screen.