Pollywood Shorts FIVE07, organised by MIC Toi Rerehiko, celebrates five years by showcasing eight Pacific short films in Auckland venues until 28 March. Curator Craig Fasi says that five years ago there was doubt that there were sufficient Pacific films to sustain an annual event.

Pollywood Shorts FIVE07, organised by MIC Toi Rerehiko, celebrates five years by showcasing eight Pacific short films in Auckland venues until 28 March. Curator Craig Fasi says that five years ago there was doubt that there were sufficient Pacific films to sustain an annual event. But like nurturing a new born infant, he says, Pollywood has matured and is now five-years-old.

"Pollywood Shorts FIVE07 showcases an electric selection of recent films made by our Pacific Island people," he says. "Without the support from organisations like the Moving Image Centre, ongoing submissions from Pacific Island writers and directors, plus continued motivation from the community, Pollywood Shorts would never have made it this far."

The screenings highlight work from Niuean writer Maree A. Webster with her film Like Milk, a story inspired by actual events of a woman coming to terms with the colour of her skin, and Brown is the Flavour, a documentary focusing on Pacific people in film and television. Samoan director Miki Magasiva's films Uso and Rites of Courage will also be shown. Uso is a comic coming-of-age story of two very close friends waiting for one important phone call. Rites of Courage shows the dramatic transition of a Pacific Island boy changing into a man during a traditional tattooing ritual. Established Samoan director Popo Lilo features his short film Tiga e le Iloa. His compelling story of three Samoan boys facing the harsh realities of living in Auckland also screened at the 2003 Sundance film festival in Toronto. A Samoan Tale by Sio Tusa Fa'aaefili is the story of a young Samoan boy enjoying his chores and duties before a long-awaited trip overseas. Pa by Arnette Arapai and Boswell Haiosi is a story about Reality Roy Head, 82-years-old and of Niuean and English descent. He moved to New Zealand in 1943 and has remained in Parnell, Auckland ever since. He talks candidly of his life here, his work and marriage. Taking the law into his own hands and killing one of the most dangerous organised criminals, John Andrews (Gerard Leafa) sits in jail and reflects on the family he once had. This is the story told in Ill Will by David Filoialii. Fasi says Pacific films have their own unique flavour. "We want to help celebrate ethnic diversity and encourage Pacific Island people to embrace their culture. What I love about Pollywood is that we're taking the films to the community."