Fijian filmmaker Elizabeth Koroivulaono has emerged as one of the Pacific’s most authentic voices in storytelling, using her lived experiences and creative talents to shine a light on the rich, diverse realities of Pacific communities.
Born in Matuku, Lau, and raised in Suva, Fiji, Koroivulaono’s work captures Pacific voices with heart, integrity, and an indigenous lens.
Speaking during an interview with ABC Pacific, one of her most compelling projects is The Forgotten Pacific, an original documentary produced with Coconet TV.
Koroivulaono says the film, which took over a decade to bring to life, is a proud milestone in her career.
The journey to filmmaking, however, was not a straight path.
Initially drawn to the ocean and dreaming of a career in marine biology, Elizabeth’s plans changed after struggling academically in biology during her school years.
She says that detour led her to an unexpected opportunity in media when her aunt brought her into a TV station as an auto cue operator at just 13 years old.
What began as an after-school job became the foundation of a career.
Beyond her career, Elizabeth is also open about her identity. Coming from a strong Catholic and conservative background, she spoke candidly about her sexuality, describing it as both the least and most exciting thing about her.
Despite the challenges of cultural displacement, Elizabeth views her journey with gratitude.
She says her documentary, The Forgotten Pacific, holds deep personal meaning, and through her work, she continues to create space for Indigenous and Pacific narratives, driven by the belief that people need to see and hear themselves reflected in media.
Source: ABC Pacific
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