22 Mar 2024

PNG filmmaker credits the US for strengthening identity

From , 6:02 am on 22 March 2024
Butterfly Butaplai (directed and written by Veialu Aila-Unsworth) premieres in New Zealand at Maoriland film festival in Otaki this weekend

Butterfly Butaplai (directed and written by Veialu Aila-Unsworth) premieres in New Zealand at Maoriland film festival in Otaki this weekend Photo: supplied

A Papua New Guinean filmmaker who grew up in New Zealand says the US helped her to find her voice and own her identity as a bi-racial woman.

Her film Butterfly Butaplai premieres in New Zealand at Maoriland film festival in Otaki this weekend and will play in Los Angeles on March 26th.

RNZ Pacific's Eleisha Foon spoke with the Director and writer of the film, Veialu Aila-Unsworth who describes making the film as a deeply healing and empowering process.