Pacific Cinewaves: Talanoa
Samoan Stories in Carson
Rooted in the amplification of Pasifika narratives and the representational belonging of archival activations, Visual Communications Archives Team presents a three part series event: Pacific Cinewaves: Talanoa, A Dialogue on Samoan Stories in Carson. This series seeks to actualize an initiative to preserve the collective memories of Samoans in Carson and highlight their impact in weaving the fabric of the city. In this series, we present four short films that focus on conversations surrounding youth organizations, familial obligations, gender roles, and education.
These screenings will also be paired with a Talanoa or dialogue, facilitated by filmmaker and journalist Honestine Pa'ala-Fraser, to discuss the major themes of the films and the importance of documenting Samoan narratives in Carson.
This event is FREE and open to the public! Food and refreshments will be provided.
DATE & TIME
Saturday, September 21 & 28, 2024
Doors open at 2:30PM
Program starts at 3:00PM
LOCATION
Carson Public Library
151 E Carson St, Carson, CA 90745
PARKING
Parking is FREE!
FILM PROGRAM
OMAI FA'ATASI (1978)
Directed by Takashi Fujii
One of the crown jewels of Visual Communications’ landmark video docu-drama series “Hidden Treasures,” OMAI FA’ATASI profiles the Samoan American youth development organization of L.A.’s South Bay communities, and unveils the history of Samoan migration to America. Offering a crucial voice to the perspectives and aspirations of Samoan American youths and young adults, OMAI FA’ATASI provides a glimpse into a largely misunderstood community whose members strive to become integrated into American society without losing their traditions and values.
VAITAFE: RUNNING WATER (1980)
Directed by Takashi Fujii and Foe Alo, Jr.
A follow-up to the groundbreaking Visual Communications documentary OMAI FA'ATASI: SAMOA MO SAMOA, this fictionalized account of Vaitafe Futu, a gifted Samoan youth who travels from Pago Pago to pursue an education in Los Angeles offers a holistic portrait of a newer Asian Pacific American community. Vaitafe's struggle to succeed at earning an advanced education is complicated by government cutbacks in education support, as well as various family crises. Only when his family and friends come together in the Samoan tradition of "fa'alavelaves" (family concerns) to help one of their best and brightest does Vaitafe learn the true meaning of "community."
SAMOAN AMERICANS IN CARSON (2017)
Directed by Visual Communications
June Pouesi, director of the Office of Samoan Affairs, describes the waves of immigration from American Samoa that led to the development of the Samoan community. She also comments on VC’s photo documentation of work, cultural performances and youth activities.
COME TOGETHER (2024)
Directed by Honestine Pa'ala-Fraser
Inspired by the 1978 documentary “Omai Fa’atasi: Samoa Mo Samoa,” a teenage girl growing up in a strict Samoan household lives the same day everyday cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her siblings until she joins a community organization that helps her realize her full potential.
INTRODUCING THE SPEAKERS
September 21st Speakers
September 28th Speakers
Honestine Pa'ala-Fraser
Honestine Pa'ala-Fraser is a writer and social media professional born and raised in the Los Angeles area. She graduated from CSU Long Beach with a BA in Communication Studies and went on to Syracuse University to receive her MS in Digital Communications. Her work can be found in publications like Teen Vogue, POPSUGAR, and HuffPost. She is passionate about storytelling and sharing the stories of the Pasifika community. She was a part of this year’s Armed With a Camera Fellowship. Her directorial debut, short film Come Together premiered at the 2024 VC Film Fest and will be screening as part of this program.
Nina Sosefina
My name is Nina Sosefina and I'm a first generation Samoan American woman who is navigating through the creative industry as a singer, actor, activist and an advocate for our Pasifika people in every industry I touch. I was born and raised in Long Beach, California and am on a journey of unapologetically embracing all of my passions.
Mabel Su’a
Mabel was one of the core group members of Omai Fa’atasi in the 1970s. At the time, Mabel also worked with Services for Asian American Youth (SAAY), where she played a crucial role in supporting and empowering Asian and Pacific Islander youth. Mabel's leadership and commitment to community empowerment have made a lasting impact on the lives of many, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of Samoan activists.
Tupe Su’a
Tupe Su'a is a Samoan community leader and activist known for his work in cultural preservation and community development. Tupe is one of the original core group members of Omai' Fa’atasi. During the time frame of the Omai film, Tupe worked Teen Post, Youth Gang Services & Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP). He was also a Deputy for Supervisor Kenneth Hahn & a Deputy for Commissioner Mas Fukai.
Janny Noa
Janny is currently the Recreation Center Supervisor for the City of Carson, California. With a passion for community service and organizing engaging programs, including Samoan Heritage Day, Janny ensures that the rec center is a vibrant hub for residents of all ages.
Samoan Stories in Carson •
Samoan Stories in Carson •
Centered around growing Samoan American communities across Carson, CA, throughout the 1970s to 1980s, these photographs paint an intimate portrait of a unique Southern California community, grounded by their strong family values and spiritual practices. Detailing the mundane lives of Samoans in Carson, this collection serves as a capsule of Samoan American history during the booming migration to Los Angeles amidst the Vietnam War. Photographs here show snapshots from the lives of families, youth, and community members in the Long Beach-Carson area.
Faces (1972) – Sialoi Residence, A group of individuals playing bingo at the Sialoi residence. Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Faces (1972) – Sialoi Residence, An individual wearing a floral shirt sitting on the floor tallying up the results into a notebook for a bingo game. Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Long Beach Naval Shipyard (1972), Two factory workers working together on a piece of factory equipment at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard factory. Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Samoan Health Day (1972) – Foisia Park, Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Samoan Day – Performances (1972), Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Adult on Sofa and Two Children (1972), Photographed by Alan Ohashi
People Cooking in Kitchen (1972), People cooking in the kitchen. One person takes something wrapped in foil out of the oven. Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Members of Congregation (1972), (Samoan Church Service) Two men, two women, and two children of the congregation posing for the camera. Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Congregation Standing During Service (1972), (Samoan Church Service) Members of the congregation standing during service. Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Congregation Sitting on Floor in Reverend (1972) – Sialoi Residence, (Samoan Church Service) Men, women, and children of the congregation sitting on the floor during a group practice in the residence of Reverend Sialoi, accompanied by a man playing the piano. Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Mrs. Sialoi and Boy Sitting on Couch (1972), Mrs. Sialoi and a boy sitting on the couch in her and Reverend Sialoi's residence. Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Luau Audience Watching Dancers (1972), A seated woman feeding an infant among other audience members, watching a traditional dance performance at a luau. Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Luau Audience Watching Dancers (1972), Audience members seated on chairs and on the floor of a basketball court, watching a traditional dance performance at a luau. Photographed by Alan Ohashi
Church Service and Cookout (1972), Church members standing at the front of the service reading books. church members standing at the front of the service reading books. Photographed by Visual Communications
Church Service and Cookout (1972), Church members and kids sitting on the floor eating. Photographed by Visual Communications
Church Service and Cookout (1972), A close up of two children reading along with the church service. Photographed by Visual Communications
Church Service and Cookout (1972), Church goers standing in the church's first pew. Photographed by Visual Communications
Frances & Bill's Wedding Day (1972), Frances posing at the front of the church with a large group of wedding party members. Photographed by Visual Communications
Omai Fa'atasi - Football Team in Carson California (1977-1978), Football players on the field between plays at Carson High School. Photographed by Visual Communications
Group Photo at a Carson Playground for Omai Fa'atasi Film (1972), A group of adults and children at a Carson Playground for the film Omai Fa'atasi. Photographed by Visual Communications
Adults and Children at an Outdoor Swingset (1972) Two adults standing and three children swinging at a swingset outside. Photographed by Visual Communications
Omai Fa'atasi - Basketball in Carson (1977-1978), A group seated playing dominos. Photographed by Visual Communications
Omai Fa'atasi - Basketball in Carson (1977-1978), A view behind the backboard of a basketball player jumping and shooting the ball. Photographed by Visual Communications
Basketball Players and Coach (1977-1978), The coach speaks to his team that has gathered in a circle. Photographed by Visual Communications
Players Watch From Bleachers (1977-1978), Players sitting on the bleachers and watching the game. Photographed by Visual Communications
Team and Coach With Trophy (1977-1978), The winning team with their trophy and coach. Photographed by Visual Communications
Coach With Players (1977-1978), A coach with a huddle of players in the Carson High School gym. Photographed by Visual Communications
Two People in Car (1977-1978), Photographed by Visual Communications
People Laughing with Stereo Outside Omai Office (1977-1978), Two people with their stereo outside the Omai Headquarters in Carson. Photographed by Visual Communications
Posing Outside Omai Office (1977-1978), Four people posing outside the Omai Headquarters in Carson. Photographed by Visual Communications
People in Alley Next to Omai Office (1977-1978), Four people in the alley next to the Omai Headquarters in Carson. Photographed by Visual Communications
People Laughing on Park Table (1980), A group of people laughing sitting on top of a bench table. Photographed by Visual Communications
Teens Ride Bike (1979), Samoan teens bike it down a neighborhood street Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Community Center Headquarters (1985), The headquarters of the Samoa Community Center in Carson, CA Photographed by Visual Communications
Big John Manumaleuna Memorial Hall (1985), In Carson, CA's Scottdale neighborhood, the Big John Manumaleuna Memorial Hall is a vital gathering place for the Samoan American community Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Fellowship Hall (1985), Samoana Fellowship Hall typifies the importance of organized religion in Los Angeles County's Samoan American community Photographed by Visual Communications
Community Softball Tournament (1979) – Dolphin Park, Samoan American youths and young adults participate in a community softball tournament at Carson's Dolphin Park Photographed by Visual Communications
Community Moves Together (1979), Samoan American community members gather together to move and dance. Photographed by Visual Communications
Children On Their Way To Church (1979), A van full of young children is headed toward its first destination of the day Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) – Behind the scenes: "VAITAFE" Cast and Crew Begin Filming a Scene, Louisa M. Poti, assistant director Marie Tuiasosopo, and boom operator Kawen Young preparing to shoot a scene. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) – Behind the scenes: First Samoan Congregational Christian Church Shuttle, A shuttle van belonging to the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) - Behind the scenes: Directors Review "VAITAFE" Script, Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) - Behind the scenes: Marie Tuiasosopo Prepares Production Slate Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) - Behind the scenes: Cast and Crew Working Production Shoot, "VAITAFE" cast and crew members prepare for a scene. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) - Behind the scenes: Crowd at Mamalama Ole Lalolagi Church, People gathered outside of Mamalama Ole Lalolagi Church in Carson. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) - Behind the scenes: Louisa M. Poti Rehearses Jam Session Scene, Actress Louisa M. Poti and friends rehearse a climactic jam session scene at Los Angeles Harbor College. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) - Behind the scenes: Foe Alo, Jr. with Cast and Crew, Co-director Foe Alo, Jr. posing for a photo with VC staffer Linda Mabalot, lead actor Bert Seugogo Schirmer, and additional cast and crew of "VAITAFE." Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) - Behind the scenes: Takashi Fujii Addressing Cast and Crew, Co-director Takashi Fujii speaking to "VAITAFE" cast and crew. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) - Behind the scenes: Foe Alo, Jr. On-Site of "VAITAFE", Co-director Foe Alo, Jr. standing on-site at the filming location of "VAITAFE." Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) - Behind the scenes: VC Production Staff Group Photo, A group photo of VC staffers gathered for a picture with some filming equipment. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) - Behind the scenes: Man and Child Relax on Car, A young man and a child lean and stand on the back of a car. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) - Behind the scenes: Mamalama Ole Lalolagi Church, The outside of the Malamalama Ole Lalolagi Church. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1981) - Three Men Lounge on Bench, Three young men in sunglasses sit together on a bench and post for the camera. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1980) – Behind the scenes: VAITAFE - Group Photo Outside of Building, A large group gathered for a photo outside. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1981) - Samoan American Youth Pose for Photo, A group of young Samoan Americans posing for the camera. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Film Project (1981) - Bert and Co-star Dance Together, Bert Seugogo Schirmer and his co-star dancing together. Photographed by Visual Communications
Players on the Field at the Dolphin Park Softball Tournament (1979), Samoan American youths and young adults walk on the field as they participate in a community softball tournament at Carson's Dolphin Park. Photographed by Visual Communications
Players on the Field at the Dolphin Park Softball Tournament (1979), Samoan American youths and young adults play together in a community softball tournament at Carson's Dolphin Park. Photographed by Visual Communications
Polynesia Booth at the Lotus Festival (1985), A brightly-decorated Polynesian booth attracts customers and visitors to the annual Day of the Lotus Festival in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Photographed by Visual Communications
(1979), Samoan American Community members gather and play music in traditional Samoan clothing. Photographed by Visual Communications
Community Dances Together (1984), Members of the community raise their arms and dance together. Photographed by Visual Communications
Outdoor Volleyball Game (1984), Young men play volleyball together while others watch from the sidelines. Photographed by Visual Communications
Photographed by Visual Communications
Young Samoans Pose for the Camera (1984), A group of youth have gathered and pose for the camera. Photographed by Visual Communications
Samoan Americans in Isamu Noguchi Plaza (1984), A group of Samoan Americans sit on the steps of the Little Tokyo's Isamu Noguchi Plaza in matching red and white clothing and look at the camera. Photographed by Visual Communications
