By Ema Ganivatu
Fijian writer Adi Tulia Nacola has turned her talents to film with the release of her debut short film, Bubu Belo. This heartfelt project celebrates the beauty of village life and the strength of Fijian youth.
Adi Nacola, from Soa in Nakorotubu, Ra, with maternal links to Nasukamai in Ra, wrote the script in March 2024, aiming to create a simple yet powerful story for Fijians at home and abroad, with a particular focus on young people.
“I wanted to show Fiji in its raw form, using the natural light and sounds, incorporating our language and sharing the silence and quiet that comes with living in our village environment,” Nacola explained.
Bubu Belo was a family affair, with the cast and crew comprising Nacola’s nieces, nephews, and close family members. The main character was played by her niece, Nei Lusi, in the picturesque village of Verevere, located in the province of Ra.
“This project was the first for the actors and the crew, which were both one and the same. It really is a family project,” Adi Nacola said, proud of the collaborative effort that brought the film to life.
Filmed entirely on a second-hand smartphone, Bubu Belo was produced on a modest budget, made possible by a cash grant Adi Nacola received to support her project. The prize allowed her to purchase filmmaking equipment, a laptop for editing, and online programs. The film was made possible through Film Fiji’s newly established film course, the first of its kind in the country.
Adi Nacola believes storytelling is vital in preserving culture and fostering strong community ties.
“Our knowledge is passed down through our stories, and our relationships are made stronger because of these stories. We need these stories more than ever to mend our communities, to instil in our children a sense of pride for their beautiful Vanua, to see themselves as a beautiful people, as Pacific Islanders or as Fijians, and to love our rich and expressive indigenous language, Vosa VakaViti,” she said.
Adi Nacola hopes Bubu Belo will demonstrate to potential funders that Fiji has rich stories to tell. “We have the knowledge, dedication, and ability to turn these stories into films. With proper funding and support from our arts and cultural institutions, or international and local funders, we can produce great films about our land and people,” she said.