Vanuatu Bislama Lanwis Wik

Mon 28 Jul, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Vanuatu Tok Stori, Kava & Sandroing

Tracing a continuous line through history, Vanuatu sand drawings are inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. Repositories of knowledge, songs, and cosmologies join HENZSON LINI as he illustrates this dynamic graphic tradition. Sip kava (Piper methysticum), considered the most potent of all mixes in the Pacific, and listen to NELSON RARUA share kastom storis about the origins of Bislama, one of the three national languages of Vanuatu.

Light refreshments provided.

Wed 30 Jul, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Tanna (2015) Film Screening

With 10 wins and 20 nominations, including Best Cinematography and Audience Award Winners at the 30 Venice International Film Critics’ Week, Tanna has been described as a modern-day Romeo and Juliet. Inspired by a true love story, the plot follows Wawa, a young girl betrothed to another as part of a peace deal, and a forbidden love affair. Feel the heartbeat of Mt Yasur volcano, sit under the giant banyan tree, and immerse yourself in the shifting tides of Vanuatu kastom.

The viewing will be followed by a talk, led by LIDCHA NANUMAN, Secretary, Vanuatu High Commission. Light Refreshments provided.

Image: Tanna (2015) Directed by Bentley Dean, Martin Butler. Starring Mungau Dain, Marie Wawa, Marceline Rofit. Subtitles in English

Sat 2 Aug, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

String Ban Miusik & Kastom Danis

The Vanuatu community from the greater Wellington region band together for a lively up-tempo finale for this inaugural languis wik in Porirua. Featuring a mix of strings, vocals, and a single-string bush bass will have you swaying to the contemporary rhythms of Vanuatu and the islands for weeks after!  

Presented in partnership with the Wellington Vanuatu Community and Friends.

All Image courtesy of the Wellington Vanuatu Community and Friends.