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Pear ta Ma On Maf (The Land Has Eyes, Fiji; 2004)

Guess what? This film is Fiji's only known own production. It is a simple low budget fare made to look like a Disney family film about the legend of the spirit of a woman warrior who was left to fend for herself marooned on an island by her 7 brothers. Her spirit came to help a local girl whose father was cheated by a rich neighbour. The girl from the remote island of Rotuma Island, Viki, has big plans to further her studies in main Fiji Island. Her endeavour, however, is planned to be sabotaged by the same neighbour. The spirit of the female warrior comes to her rescue and helps to change her fate.

The highlight of the movie is the scenic landscape of the Pacific together with with its clear blue sky, waters and flora. Kudos too to some of the underwater camera shots.

The story otherwise is quite predictable and tame. Maybe because their pioneering effort on a shoestring budget, they were nominated for the 2006 Academy Awards and Sundance festival.

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