Private Project

Tapu

A caregiver by day, a sex worker by night. One job is for his comfort, the other is to search. But his hopes of searching for what was stolen from his childhood, soon goes to hell in the last place he'd least expected.

  • Hinano Tekurio Tanielu
    Director
    Sosefina
  • Manu Tanielu
    Director
    Sosefina
  • Joshua Leomiti
    Writer
    Patrick
  • Joshua Leomiti
    Producer
    Tapu
  • Joshua Leomiti
    Key Cast
    "Arona "
    Patrick
  • Kyle Maddox
    Key Cast
    "Sam"
    Tapu
  • Tim Christian
    Key Cast
    "Jonathan "
    As I AM
  • Jessica Staples
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Jasmin Mayor "
    Sara
  • Katie Yandall
    Key Cast
    "Lutu"
  • Tanielu Fifita
    Key Cast
    "Young Arona "
  • Project Type:
    Short, Television, Web / New Media
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes
  • Production Budget:
    22,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director - Hinano Tekurio Tanielu, Manu Tanielu
Director Statement

I and my husband, Manu, teamed up with Joshua to convey his vision into visual. He asked us and trusted us to help him in directing this powerful project. He not only wrote it, but produced it, and acted as lead in it. We were humbled by the invitation to help him, and I and my husband fully believe that this story needs to be told. Not for the sake of division, for the sake of healing. As Polynesian Artists, we don't hear enough of our stories and like Joshua, we are taking things into our hands.

On this journey and my word given to Joshua to direct Tapu along side with my husband was an honor, but it was also very difficult as my father passed away the week before we went to camera. I had my last words with my father and he told me: "...to go and do what I was called to do..." It was very tough for me but he insisted in his last hours. I knew that if I didn't go, that he would've been mad at me.

Joshua so kindly told me to stay and to be with my father and to not worry about directing, but I felt peace from my father and him always supporting all I ever did - as an upcoming female Polynesian Director. It was a very tough decision, but I left to direct a strong story. The week we filmed was tough for me, but the peace from my dad was there with me and we pushed through. I am honored to accomplish directing this first episode with my husband, and with Joshua's vision to bring healing. We love Joshua and like him, we believe that this story is one to pay attention to.

With Alofa,
Hinano and Manu Tanielu