“With a view to fostering and promoting reciprocal knowledge and understanding of the different Pacific Island countries and their inhabitants through the exchange and distribution of cinematographic works, as well as the recognition and distribution of these works throughout the world, it is formed an association, in accordance with the law of July 1, 1901 […]”.

It is in these terms that the explanatory memorandum opens for the statutes of the FIFO association, organizer of the International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival. Created in 2004, FIFO aims to promote Oceania and make it visible through documentary films. In the context of rampant globalization, its ambition is to bring the voice of the peoples and cultures of Oceania beyond its shores and to make it heard in Oceania of course, but also on the media scene. Finally, it aims to promote Oceanian cinema and filmmakers on screens around the world.

More than an event cultural sector, FIFO is also a pillar in the development of the audiovisual industry in Oceania. An essential professional meeting in the South Pacific, it brings together directors and producers, technicians and TV channels, representatives of foreign festivals and distributors around a common cause: Oceanian cinema. The festival is thus a unique place of opportunities thanks to the dialogues it triggers, allowing creativity to germinate in the light of the audacity of the women and men who carry projects as high as their hopes for the future.

Over the years, FIFO has become an expected annual event with Oceania and with cinema in Oceania. Unmissable in French Polynesia, the Pacific and far beyond, the International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival brings together more than one might say. Much further and much more than we think, to tell the truth, as evidenced by the 18th edition. An edition fully digital, accessible throughout the Pacific and in France. FIFO 2021 brought together participants from countries that had never before taken part. Through the magic of the Internet, the FIFO dugout has become digital, for the duration of a festival. It thus continued on its way by weaving the link between our islands and between our peoples.

Thanks to its adjustement, the festival is back to its good habits. And if the magic of the Internet has indeed allowed our va’a to stay on course in very specific conditions, it does not replace the human connection. It cannot replace the conviviality and authenticity of a one-of-a-kind festival. The evolution of the situation allows us to welcome our public and our guests “at home” again and to offer them 10 films in competition, 13 films out of competition, 20 documentary and short fiction films and free special screenings, meetings, workshops and even more surprises prepared by our team for this new FIFO.

FIFO’s digital offer developed over the last years has not been neglected. It is even reinforced. FIFO viewers will therefore also be able to enjoy the films in the selection on our video-on-demand platform. We also invite you to continue your journey in Oceania aboard our canoe 2.0 with our e-guests by videoconference, live or in replay. Meetings with directors and producers from New Zealand, New Caledonia, Australia, Hawaii…

FIFO’s Oceanian odyssey began in 2004 for a journey rich in encounters and sharing around the audiovisual industry. Over the years, Tahiti has become the Pacific capital of documentary film, where Oceanians meet and reveal themselves to the world. If the FIFO canoe makes regular stops in different waters to share the riches of the 7th art that it carries, it has, however, never stopped its journey.

And her crew is particularly happy to welcome you back on board.

‘A FIFO ana’e tātou !