Tep Tok : Reading Between Our Lines
Released 2015
Documentary Runtime : 56 minutes
Self Funded by Sunameke Whānau
For many a Pacific Islander, a tattoo is a marker of one's identity - a reminder of one's heritage and a visual story to carry on their skin.
The art of tattooing has travelled the world over and while its popularity has continued strongly into contemporary culture today, the awareness of the traditional practices of tattooing in Papua New Guinea is dwindling.
Tep Tok is a documentary aimed at changing this situation.
The documentary follows four women of Papua New Guinea and Australian descent as they explore their tattooing traditions on a journey which takes them from Australia to Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, Cook Islands and back.
In short, Tep Tok aims to bring light to a vanishing ancient practice; though the desire to reinvent what has been lost.
Credits.
Editor:
Julia Mage'au Gray
Music:
James Mangohig
Camera:
Julia Mage'au Gray
Ranu James
Natalie Richards
Moale James
Paia Ingram
Peta Khan
Peter Sipeli
Terry Klavenes
Filmed through out Oceania:
Australia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, New Zealand, Cook Islands,
and Tahiti
Thank you to those who shared their time and thoughts:
Footage and Interviews with prominent
Pasifika tattooists, artists, & specialists:
Croc Tatau
Ema Tavola
Inia Taylor
Joe Brown
Latai Taumoepeau
Mali Voi
Manu Farrarons
Michael Lothian
Miriam 'Mim' D'Abbs
Sean Mallon
Sulu'ape Tatau - Marks of Polynesia
Thomas Clark
Tihoti Mataura
Vincent David
Interviews in
Central Province,
Papua New Guinea:
Warimo'vo Leva Bubu Vali Kolou and her son Frank Kamiora Ila and Vetugu Rawali with Wapu Alo Mea Marcia Muir with her Bubu Abia Baki and her Aunty Ama Pinu Ogogo Fagau Taita Uraru Avia Ko'o Ogopai Pukali Elaka Aisa Laoma Aisamo Mali Isoaimo Florence Ila Gilimo Wapu Renagi and Vavine Iru Tau Asigau and Glenda Ray
Interviews with
National Rugby League guests
(past and current players):
Bronson Harrison
Clinton Toopi
David Mead
Delroy Berryman
Dominique Peyroux
Japeth Vaoa
Jesse Sene-Lefao
The Tia-Kalifi brothers
We are thankful for the generosity & support of:
Aileen Kemp
Ani O'Neill
Henare Johnson
James Brown
James Mangohig
Kat Morrow
Mark Smith
Matthew Francis
Miriam 'MIM' D'Abbs
Nigel Vagana
Renee Lalor
Roannie Ng Shiu
Ruth Chisaka
Ruth Choulai
Simon Welch
Solange Faatauira
Teresia Teaiwa
Terry Klavenes
Will Tinapple
All of the
Sunameke Family
