Nexus: Your journey in the entertainment industry has been quite remarkable. Could you share the key factors that have driven your success and resilience over the years?
Thank you, when I started out in the industry I was a young, single Mother. Even earlier, as a teen Mum, I had no choice but to work as hard as I possibly could. When you are the sole provider for yourself and child, there is no alternative. I have always been extremely driven and tenacity comes with the territory. Failure was not nor has ever been an option.
Nexus: If you hadn’t followed acting, which career pathway would you have taken and why?
My Mum always wanted me to become a Lawyer. I’ve always been naturally quite political and my Mum raised me to be a fierce advocate for the rights of our people. Both my Mum and Dad taught me about the importance of impartiality and equality. I chose to fight for such things via the industry. I’ve never ruled out going into Politics or Diplomacy at some stage in my life.
Nexus:. In today’s digital age, criticism and negativity can be prevalent. How do you manage to stay focused on your goals amidst the challenges of negative comments and media scrutiny?
I’m human like anyone else and super sensitive, so I definitely feel it when I’m so often targeted by other people’s negativity and media sensationalism at times. But I’ve lived a very real life, I know exactly who I am and what I am not. Also, because I, myself and people close to me would never behave in such a way towards other people. It just comes down to understanding that ONLY people who are unhappy and discontent with their own lives project their own unhappiness and discontent towards others, specifically me. And that it’s nothing to actually do with me.
Nexus: What’s your favourite film, and why?
Oooh, this is a tough one! Young Teuila would say, The Sound of Music or Grease!!
However, ONE of my favourite films is ‘Life Is Beautiful’ directed by Roberto Benigni.
It resonates with my own philosophy in life that, no matter how difficult life can be, you can still choose to find the beauty in the struggle.
Nexus: Your career has included a wide range of iconic roles, including my personal favourite, Sione’s Wedding. Which role has personally impacted your growth the most, and why?
I learn and grow through every role I play. But playing ‘Leilani’ in Sione’s Wedding probably had the most impact on my growth, at the time because of the significance of the project. Sione’s Wedding was made at a time when the industry didn’t believe an all brown project could work. It took us 5 years to even get to the point of shooting the film. It was such an important project for so many reasons and my first film project as an actress, it’s very personally meaningful to me.
Nexus: As an advocate for women’s refuge, what drives you to support this cause, and how do you believe empowerment can change the lives of women who’ve faced difficult situations?
I spent over a decade in seriously abusive relationships in my younger days, which is why I advocate for women in abusive relationships. I understand how one can end up in such relationships and also, how difficult they are to get out of. Personal empowerment and non- judgemental support, are key factors in women finding the strength to get out of such situations. If one is strong enough to endure abuse, one truly possesses the strength to get out of such relationships too.
Nexus: Dealing with personal loss while maintaining a busy career is tough. Can you provide insights into finding strength, moving forward, and honoring your mothers memory?
One of the first things I learnt in this industry, very early on, is that nothing short of your own death, stops the show going on. For an industry where we literally use our feelings in our work, there is little to no accommodation for personal feelings. I have had a life where I’ve had to carry on no matter how I felt, or what I was going through but losing my Mum during a project was incredibly hard. The fact that I am a Samoan actress in this industry alone, honours my Mother’s memory and I am grateful she got to see that for almost 20 years before she passed. I know she was very proud of me and I miss her dearly.
Nexus: As an accomplished individual, what advice would you give to young people who aspire to pursue their dreams, especially in industries that might be challenging to break into?
I truly believe that any individual who truly wants to succeed in whatever it is they want to do, will. Many industries are challenging to break into but if you up to facing whatever challenges you may face, you will succeed. The end.
Nexus: If you had an unlimited budget to create a film, what would you create?
There are a couple of film concepts I’d love to make, all around Women, specifically, Island Women.
Nexus: What is your dream role and why?
Two roles that really inspired me as an actress were Rena Owen’s, Beth in ‘Once Were Warriors’ and Angela Basset’s, Bernie in ‘Waiting to Exhale’. I’d love to play something raw and heavy like that. I’ve not played a role like that yet but I know I have it in me.
