Sisi'uno Helu

The church of Tonga demands donations, especially from those who have left the country. This personal documentary follows the family of Saia Mafile’o who, decades after moving to New Zealand, still dedicates his life and money entirely to his homeland.

A film for the senses as much as the mind, this lyrical documentary records the last years of Professor Futa Helu and his miraculous ‘Atenisi Institute, an unconventional and independent Oceanic school. Ancient Greek philosophy, opera and Tongan culture combine in this portrait of a teacher, navigating his people through crisis in a small but hearty island kingdom.

Based on the Legend of, `Aho`eitu from the Pacific Island of Tonga, 'Aho'eitu leaves his mother to find his father Tagaloa in the heavens. On his quest he finds out that he also has brothers, but will 'Aho'eitu be accepted by them and who will become heir as the first King, the first Tu'i Tonga!