The 22nd Oceanian International Documentary Film Festival will take place from January 31 to February 9, 2025, in theaters and online.
After hours of viewing and long debates, 38 documentaries were selected for FIFO 2025 out of the 142 presented. Ten are in competition, 18 are out of competition and 10 are part of the documentary short films. “The choice was difficult. We each have our own way of noting and our sensitivity.“testifies Teva Pambrun, member of the preselection jury who promises in summary”lots of emotions“. This jury has been working in the shadows for 22 years and its work is essential to ensure the smooth running of the festival.
The list of selected films is available on the FIFO website.
This year, the jury is chaired by Ben Salama, Franco-Algerian author, director and producer and composed of Rachel Perkins, Australian filmmaker, Nunë Luepack, director from New Caledonia, Toa Fraser, New Zealand playwright, Jone Ribertson, director of the Fiji Film Commission, Cybèle Plichart, director as well as journalist and presenter of Polynesia the 1st, and finally, Teiva Mano, known as Minos, master of oratory at fenua.
As usual, no theme is imposed but the film must tell stories linked to Oceania. The ten films in competition at FIFO 2025 retrace the identity and cultural struggles of the people of Polynesia, New Caledonia, Hawaii, New Zealand and Vanuatu. An immersion in local realities and an invitation to reflect on several fundamental and ultimately universal questions. “It is always a source of pride to carry the voice of Polynesia. We recognize ourselves in these stories. FIFO is the link between all the stories of the Pacific” describes Stella Taaroamea, director of information content at Polynésie la Première, media co-organizer of the event since its creation in 2004 hand in hand with the House of Culture, Te Fare Tauhiti Nui.
22 years later, the organizers continue to bring the project born from a collaboration between Walles Kotra and Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu to life. “It’s an immense joy. FIFO has grown well, it is exported… It grows like the branches of a tree but reminds us that our roots are here” proudly declares Vaitua Tokoragi, director of TFTN.
For the fourth consecutive year, FIFO is presented in hybrid form with a digital offer. The big news this year: the mini-film festival, reserved for young people under 26, the program of which will be presented in January. “We can’t wait to reconnect with our audience, especially young people” book Laura Théron, general delegate of FIFO. During the previous edition, bad weather had in fact forced schools to cancel their visits. This factor, coupled with network problems which affected Polynesia, caused the drop in attendance the most severe in the history of the event This year, the classes will be welcomed with great pleasure and free of charge.
The meeting takes place from January 31 to February 9, 2025 at the Maison de la Culture where Oceanian cultures will resonate in unison!
