Festivals and Events

The Heiva i Tahiti is the most beautiful expression of Polynesian culture. It’s a moment for an entire people to gather together to celebrate a common ancestral culture that is still very much a part of their everyday lives.

Following months of research, costume-making and rehearsals, each dance troupe presents their ‘aparima (traditional dances) that portrays a legend from their own island or district. The dances are a monumental ballet of mouvements and steps that have been transmitted down through the ages from father to son and mother to daughter.

The rhythm of the accompanying to’ere (wooden drum) is the heartbeat of our ancestors, helping to keep their memory alive and binding us to them. This heartbeat is the Mana.

The FIFO is an important festival for documentary films in Oceania. It highlights the problems, concerns and sentiments of the inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean.

It is a unique occasion for media and audiovisual professionals in the Pacific to promote themselves. FIFO also provides the opportunity to meet the directors and producers of the films selected, and to attend conferences, workshops and other audiovisual events.

The festival celebrated 20 years in 2023 and continues to showcase the concerns and challenges facing the region of Oceania.