5Q4 > A Film Maker

From more than 2000 entrants Fabian Suisala was chosen as one of three winners of New Zealand TV2’s 2003 young filmmaker’s competition. The 18-year-old thanked God for helping him through the 10-month film project as TVNZ’s judges applauded him for demonstrating a new talent.

1 What was your film about? > My film, Sole, was a comic depiction of a teenage Samoan boy trying to relate to his parents’ traditional ways in a modern New Zealand society. It mocks yet portrays the confusion the boy must undergo in relating to both cultures.

2 Where did you get your inspiration? > I’m a Samoan living in New Zealand and it just seemed right for my film to be about that. I’ve always been interested in story writing, and film directing is just that.

3 What equipment did you use? > The camera I used was a Handi-Cam I borrowed from my cousin and a rented microphone. I found a guy that did film editing and he helped me finish my film a few hours before the deadline.

4 How did it feel when you were selected as one of three winners? > It was awesome. I believe God was with me through the whole 10-month project. My prize was a choice of $NZ5000 toward furthering my film career, or a three-month internship with TVNZ. I chose the internship.

5 future plans?> I Hope the one-off pilot I’m producing during my internship will develop into a series. The pilot has branched from the original theme of my 10-minute film Sole.