Journalist, communications manager, production assistant, TV presenter, Heiura Itae-tetaa has many facets and a multitude of hats. Whatever her profession, she knows how to juggle with intelligence and ease that would make anyone blush. In 2019, she founded her own company Speak Tahiti – Paraparau Tahiti, She is also the creator of the first reo Tahiti imagier. A child of the FIFO, she is this year taking on the role of jury member. A meeting with a passionate woman.
This is the first time you are a member of the FIFO jury. How do you approach this role?
Already, it is a real pride for me to be part of the jury this year. I approach this role quite calmly, I must admit. I started to research the documentaries in the official selection and I am already looking forward to being able to sit down at Te Fare Tauhiti Nui to appreciate and understand what the directors, authors, producers want to convey to us as stories, emotions and experiences.
You are a fan of FIFO. What does it represent for you?
I clearly grew up with this Festival. I was 15 years old when the first edition took place, and in choosing my university studies, I focused on communication, where I obtained a Master’s degree. I consider audiovisual to be my first professional home; it is there that I forged my character and experienced my most beautiful professional encounters. This is a demanding sector where you usually find people passionate about their professions. This Festival brings together ingredients that I love: meetings, stories, and sharing. FIFO is important because it shows the Other with a capital «A», opens our eyes and minds to the Ocean..
What do you expect from a documentary?
Let him take me by the hand and embark me on a true story. Today, with the abundance of images and «fake news,» I really feel the need for authenticity and the documentary brings that to me. It also has to teach me and take me on a journey to the other side. And even though that happens at home, in the fenua, there are documentaries that have been able to take me on a journey.
What is the first thing that touches you in a documentary?
History and the people who make it come alive. A documentary, or a film, no matter the genre, is a privileged moment for me where we focus on a story and on lives,
battles, ways of being. And in that, the documentary can make us live all of this.
What makes a good documentary for you?
It’s difficult because it’s so subjective. I’ve already encountered documentaries that are good only because of the quality of the soundtrack or because the visuals are beautiful or because the characters touch me. I would say that the mix of all the things I’ve just described has to be good enough and strong enough to be appreciated at its true value.
For the first time since 2004, the festival jury will be chaired by an Oceanic: Emmanuel Kasarhéou, who heads the Quai Branly museum. What do you think of that?
It is a pride for me as an Oceanic. I have already had the opportunity to interview him as part of my previous job as a TV presenter when he was chosen to preside over Quai Branly. And even at that time, it was a pride for me as an Oceanic to see an Oceanic in charge of this museum that I also love a lot. His experience and expertise will be very interesting when we have to discuss the various documentaries selected.
The rest of the jury is made up of Oceanic women. So, a jury with a majority of women, and 100% Oceanic…
Once again, I am very proud and honored to be part of it. We are all, at our level and despite our differences, passionate about this world of audiovisual media. It makes sense in a way and our vision of our ocean world will bring rich discussions, I am sure.
Article written by Suliane Favennec
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