Experiencing Interruptions?

Son of Samoa

Son of Samoa takes you through the journey of Tatau.
Identity is explored in a way physically, spiritually and mentally that most have not
endured. In this doco, dir. Laman discusses his disconnection from family, community
and wavering relationship with himself.
With supporting voices, Tamoko/Tufuga artist Inia Taylor, speaks on the importance
of belonging and how to navigate that through cultural traditions. Bonni Tamati, a
Pacific art advocate also expresses her love for self-discovery and how love within
oneself can help spread love around you.
This is a story of hope, a story shared for all, a story of self-love.

  • Laman Time
    Director
  • Laman Time
    Writer
  • Laman Time
    Producer
  • Laman Time
    Key Cast
  • Bonni Luafutu Tamati
    Key Cast
  • Inia Taylor
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Cultural, Mental Health, Poetry, Family, Samoa, Indigenous, New Zealand, Tattoo, Tradition
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    December 7, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    0 NZD
  • Country of Origin:
    New Zealand
  • Country of Filming:
    New Zealand
  • Language:
    English, Samoan
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Southseas Film School
  • Maoriland Film Festival
    Otaki
    New Zealand
    March 24, 2024
    World Premiere
  • L.A Poetry Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    April 27, 2024
    Los Angeles
  • Masima: Pacific Islands Film Tour
    Utah
    United States
    May 17, 2024
    Utah
  • Doc Edge Festival
    Christchurch
    New Zealand
    June 19, 2024
  • South Pacific Film Festival
    Nelson
    New Zealand
    September 12, 2024
  • Blackstar Film Festival
    Philadelphia
    United States
    August 1, 2024
    Philadelphia
  • Three Fires International Film Festival
    Ontario
    Canada
    October 10, 2024
    Canada
  • Pacific Island Film Festival of NYC
    NYC
    United States
    October 17, 2024
    NYC
  • Hawai'i International Film Festival
    Honolulu
    United States
    October 2, 2024
    Hawai'i
  • Fist Up Film Festival
    California
    United States
    October 4, 2024
    California
Director Biography - Laman Time

Laman Time is an aspiring Documentary Film Maker with a passion for stories from the outspoken. Silent but violent, his approach to storytelling comes from a place of struggle and hopes to find similarities between his subjects.
A background in editing and creative writing, Laman values the intimate intricacies that can be often overlooked in the creative arts and society as a whole.
Often misunderstood, Laman spends most of his time learning and sharing the importance of self-love and improvement.
With a Diploma in design and animation, Laman is committed to further developing his skills in contribution to the film industry. Currently a freelance creative, Laman is looking to gain experience in any way he can.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This documentary is a coming of age story.
Through the journey of Tatau, a message of self love is explored from the struggle
of self identity to the embracing of cultural heritage. This is a story on learning
how to love parts of yourself that no else ever has. This is the Sun of Samoa
I want people to see a connection between self love and cultural identity.
I want people to understand this journey is not a standard but an avenue for people
to learn how to bring happiness in to their world.
I want people to see themselves in these stories.
I want my Samoan people to be encouraged to look past the prejudice and learn
to love and appreciate our heritage.
I also love the idea of being a vessel for cultural traditions to continue living onward.