HAIVETA: We are our ancestors

Documentation of the NIRIN HAIVETA opening weekend launch for Biennale Sydney, curated by Grace Dlabik, assisted by Emma Ismawi for Be Collective Culture in March 2020. Celebrating and centering Pasifika women and honouring matriarchy. A weekend of heart and mana – through various expressions of traditional dance, song, music and food. A highlight for me was watching Nukunonu Te Tuloto O Tokelau Sydney, Emele Ugavule and Sela Vai perform Ko toku igoa na tuhi e na fetū i loto o te moana – My name was written by the stars in the Ocean.

Video captured by myself (Tatanja Ross) and Oliver Page-Dutton, edited by me (On Jackson Street).
Poem by Grace Dlabik. Special thanks for Beats by Dre.
Welcome to Country + dances by Bulbuwul Gumada Dangura Strong Spirit Dancers.

Performances:
The Afakasi Dance Group, Inangaro Paradise, Fijian + PNG Aunties, Emele Ugavule, Nukunonu Te Tuloto O Tokelau Sydney, Sela Vai x Humxn, Nala Leone, Grace Vunilau, Ngaiire, Kaiit feat. Mikey Chen, MC Trey, Kilia and Kilimi.
Artists for exterior of the vessel:
Fern Ngatai, Paige Uāmaki, Koko & Ki and Sana Reana Balai.
Community marking project:
Emele Ugavule, Lesina Ateli-Ugavule, Steven Letoafa, Tavao Fa’avae-Eli, Timena Lealamisa, Grace Dlabik and Sana Reana Balai.

PARAURI behind the scenes: bare boutique

Promotional behind the scenes video for Narrm–based basics and underwear company, Bare Boutique. Filmed during a campaign photoshoot for new collection PARAURI, with an Indigenous femme centered crew behind the scenes and in front of the camera.

Production: BE. One Creative
Photographer: Lekhena Porter
Models: Grace Dlabik, Terina Skudder, Soju, Zarae Davis, Awhina Anima
MUA: Rosie Kalina, Kaydee Kyle-Taylor, Zian Reyn Watene

PARAURI means brown in Māori. This line is about illustrating the layers to brown skin and dismantling the idea of a generic beige nude.

AMPLIFY YOUR FEMINISM, Be x BEATS IWD Event 2019

Promotional wrap up video for Be Collective Culture x BEATS, wrapping up their IWD event 'AMPLIFY YOUR FEMINISM'.

Production: BE. One Creative
Panelists: Atong Atem, Miss Blanks, Beverley Wang and lead by Namila Benson
Music: Gag Order by thando
Design: Emma Ismawi

We started the day with a talk about the importance of intersectional feminism, with special guest panelists @atongatem @beverley.wang @miss.blanks facilitated by @themelanatedmelanesian, which we streamed live - (available on our FB page). It was such a vital conversation that allowed for unpacking, understanding and acknowledging the history of feminism and to pave the way for a new standard to redefine feminism as something that advocates for all marginalised identities.