« The FIFO: a brick that consolidates the wall of knowledge and deconstructs erroneous visions »
There were seven of them. Luz Copie, Timeri Lo, Enoha Manarani, Teariki Tekori, Amtsi Temanu, Joseph Tetoe and Tamaterai Trompette made up the youth jury established this year to celebrate their 20th anniversary and FIFO’s 20th anniversary.
It was during a meeting on the paepae a Hiro that the public was able to meet and talk to the youth jury, set up especially for the 20th anniversary of FIFO. These seven young people are also 20 years old this year. They have not known French Polynesia without FIFO! Five students, three of them in Bachelor’s degrees in foreign languages, literature and civilizations, one in a BTS degree in transport management and associated logistics, and one in a double degree in history and geography of planning, a passionate about audiovisuals, fashion and Polynesian culture, and finally a director already integrated into working life (Wow Sense) were accompanied by Mylène Raveino all week. Different paths, a sensitivity and goals all their own, but all were permanently touched by their experience as jury members at FIFO. «When we attend FIFO as students, we are amazed by the films but we do not have that critical eye.» As a member of the jury, everything changes! You have to look at every detail, pay attention to the editing, the cinematic quality, and the way the message is conveyed. «There were hesitations... Motu Haka It was the first film we saw, and we thought it was the winner! And then Dame Valérie Adams: more than gold It was the last one and it was a real kick. We got chills when we got out of there. The choice wasn’t easy, but in the end it was obvious because Valérie Adams is a source of inspiration, an example to follow for us, the young people. It motivates us to have a more positive view of the future obstacles we will encounter in our lives. » Two of them even want to get back into sports, they said laughing. Briar March, the director, received the Youth Jury Prize on Friday evening during the closing ceremony, visibly moved to see these young people affected by the heroin in her film.
Before taking up this very special position as a jury member, everyone had experienced FIFO. Some remember the festival visits with their school and the film that particularly touched them. Others admit their disinterest in FIFO even though they went with their class and how a film made them change their minds. A shock for Teariki who became aware of the cultural value of French Polynesia when watching a film about ‘ori Tahiti and another about reo. Tematerai also admits that he did not see the interest in FIFO and that he now regrets those lost years. «For my part, this is the first time I have participated in the festival,’ admits Timeri Lo. I saw the film Patutiki Last year, I realized that I had undoubtedly missed out on a lot of things. I thought it was documentaries that could be seen on TV, but that’s not all. I applied to be a member of the jury to make up for all the time I had lost. » For these seven young people, FIFO makes a lot of sense: « breaking stereotypes » for Enoha, who admits to his old negative prejudices about New Caledonia and who, since FIFO, has completely changed his mind; « bringing together the peoples of the Oceania » and observing the similarities; for Amtsi « each festival is a brick that comes to strengthen the wall of knowledge and dismantle erroneous visions». It is also « weaving ties », « deepening our knowledge », « becoming aware of being a member of the Oceanic family…» Timeri Lo has even reviewed his future, hoping to take the time to travel in the Oceania before finishing his studies. In short, they are so good at the festival that they have a bit of trouble leaving this edition, in which they were fully involved and are already calling for a 40-year-old jury to be put in place, of course with them! The general delegate of FIFO, Mareva Leu, present at this meeting, laughed and told them how proud the organizers are of having them by their side.
Lucie Rabréaud – FIFO
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