Private Project

Hiko in Tonga A Culture Almost Lost (short)

A multi-generational film of a unique, vanishing culture of Polynesian women jugglers in The Kingdom of Tonga. Their unique style and approach is only in this tiny country of 150 islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Enjoy empowering insight into the late Queen Salote, the only Queen of Tonga. She influenced the women and the Cultural Dance such as Hiko and became friends with Queen Elizabeth as she put Tonga on the map in 1953 at the British Coronation.

Hiko is life. Hiko gives happiness. Hiko inspires all women and girls, and no Tongan men juggle. These beautiful women can truly call it their own.

This film was made to
Keep Hiko Alive!

Hosted by Paprika Leaverton

  • Connie Paprika Leaverton
    Director
    numerous Corporate videos and commercials
  • Connie Paprika Leaverton
    Writer
    numerous corporate videos
  • Connie Paprika Leaverton
    Producer
    numerous corporate videos
  • Connie Paprika Leaverton
    Key Cast
    "Paprika "
    Numerous
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    28 minutes 52 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 30, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    HD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Breck Film Festival
    Breckenridge, CO
    United States
    September 20, 2019
    Colorado
  • World Wide Fest Los Angeles
    Los Angeles
    United States
    September 24, 2019
    California
Director Biography - Connie Paprika Leaverton

Connie “Paprika” Leaverton has travelled the world as a filmmaker and professional juggler for over 25 years. Through her travels as a performer, she found an unusual culture of women jugglers in Tonga and decided to document their beautiful and intriguing stories with Hiko or Juggling being the common thread.

She has travelled to Tonga twice, and is releasing the documentary summer of 2019. Her 70 minute film ‘Hiko in Tonga’ will debut soon at a screen near you. Though she has produced and directed many corporate and commercial films, this is her first feature length documentary. Videojuggle.com

Paprika continues to perform as a juggler and magician with hundreds of performances throughout USA, Europe, Canada, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and most recently Cuba. PaprikaMagic.com

Her company Walkabout Productions, established 1986, has produced numerous award winning corporate films, commercials and one TV pilot ‘Connie’s Treehouse’ (producer,director and Host) that won the highest Telly honor available, the Silver Telly.

She also has an extensive teaching resume which encompasses circus skills and filmmaking into workshops where all the students work in front of and behind the camera utilizing scenes or original presentations. She’s worked on both sides of the camera for years..she wants to share the experience.

Paprika is a juggling gypsy with a filmmakers heart and a magical touch.
An interesting combination for a West Texas girl who broke all the molds.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I am on a journey to save Hiko around the world and especially in Tonga. This film is a way to communicate how important this culture is to the world and to the Polynesian Culture. I ask that you support my endeavors by allowing this film to be seen at your fest. I appreciate your time and interest in Hiko in Tonga.