FIFO: Uncovering the Soul of the Pacific

A cultural journey in the heart of French Polynesia

French Polynesia often brings to mind turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches and endless sunsets. Yet beyond its postcard beauty, Tahiti is home to a vibrant and deeply rooted cultural identity. Each year, this identity is expressed through the FIFO, International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival, a unique cultural event dedicated to the voices, stories and realities of the Pacific.

Founded in 2004, FIFO has grown into an international reference for documentary cinema. More than a film festival, it is a platform for storytelling, cultural transmission and preservation, addressing major contemporary issues such as environmental protection, identity, memory, social justice and resilience.

The Pacific told by those who live it

Held in Papeete, at the Maison de la Culture, Te Fare Tauhiti Nui, FIFO brings together filmmakers, researchers, artists and communities from across Oceania, including New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga, Hawai‘i, Vanuatu, Aotearoa New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Most documentaries are filmed in local languages such as Tahitian, Māori, Hawaiian, Tok Pisin or Bislama, with subtitles in French or English. This linguistic diversity allows for an authentic immersion into Pacific cultures while remaining accessible to an international audience.

Memorable films from previous FIFO editions

Over the years, FIFO has showcased documentaries that have become essential references for understanding contemporary Pacific societies. Among the most notable films presented in previous editions of the festival:

• Tupaia’s Endeavour, produced in 2015 and screened at FIFO 2016, retraces the story of the Tahitian navigator Tupaia, whose crucial role in 18th-century exploration was long overlooked. The film highlights indigenous navigation knowledge and challenges colonial historical narratives.

  
  

• Power Meri, produced in 2018 and selected at FIFO 2019, follows the creation of Papua New Guinea’s first women’s rugby team. Through powerful personal stories, the documentary explores gender equality, empowerment and sport as a driver of social change.

  
  

• Coral, Heart of Life, a French Polynesian production shown during recent FIFO editions, offers a poetic and scientific exploration of coral reefs, emphasizing the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems threatened by climate change.

  
  

Together, these films reflect the diversity, depth and cultural significance of FIFO’s programming.

More than a festival: a place to connect

FIFO is also a space for exchange and discovery. Throughout the week, the festival offers workshops, conferences, panel discussions and masterclasses, alongside cultural performances and concerts. The atmosphere is warm, open and welcoming, reflecting the spirit of Polynesian hospitality.

Through the FIFO Hors les Murs program, selected films travel across the islands, ensuring access to culture beyond Tahiti and strengthening the festival’s role within local communities.

Where to watch FIFO documentaries

Some documentaries are available online for a limited time via the official FIFO website, while others are later broadcast on international cultural channels such as ARTE, TV5MONDE or Māori Television.

Traveling with purpose in the Pacific

For travelers seeking meaningful and authentic experiences, FIFO offers a unique way to discover Tahiti and French Polynesia beyond the postcard image. The festival invites visitors to connect with the living cultures of the Pacific and better understand the social, cultural and environmental challenges shaping the region today.

The FIFO is currently taking place in Tahiti. Discover this year’s full program, screenings and events on the official festival website: https://www.fifotahiti.com.