Film premiere blends Apia with LA

Robbie Magasiva and Oscar Kightley with Miss Samoa Falute Vaauli

Locals turned up in force to witness the Samoan stars of Sione's Wedding at the film's international premiere in Samoa this week.

The invitation-only tickets were the most sought after in the history of Magik Cinemas in Apia as Samoa enjoyed its own take on Hollywood - with touches of local style.

The stars arrived for the Wednesday-night screening in a white Toyota van instead of the usual limo.

Actresses Teuila Blakely and Mary Jane McKibbin-Schwenke wore traditional puletasi. The males, including Palagi producer John Barnett, wore lavalavas.

The cinemas were decorated with local flowers and all guests wore lei, personally presented at the door by Miss Samoa, Falute Vaauli.

The streets were blocked, lights were dimmed, and champagne flowed as the stars mingled with a who's who of Samoan society. Business owners, MPs, church ministers, diplomats and other dignitaries all turned up in island wear to witness the most well-attended nuptials in Samoa.

Sione's Wedding, written by Oscar Kightley and James Griffin, is the story of four Samoan friends in Auckland who have to find girlfriends before they are allowed to go to their best friend's wedding.

It is set in inner-city Auckland's Pacific Island churches and hip-hop clubs, and the suburban sleep-outs and basketball courts of Grey Lynn.

There were gales of laughter in the two packed theatres every time a Samoan word was used.

"It was great seeing Samoans up there and listening to the Samoan language being used," said one viewer.

The film ended like any special event in Samoa with the traditional dance, the siva. As the actors danced, the audience gave a standing ovation.