A delegation of 10 from popular television programme, Pacific Beat Street, is in Samoa.

“We’re here to film Samoa and what it is about,” said Stan Wolfgramm, of Drum Productions, which Pacific Beat St operates under.

Pacific Beat Street is a show produced for TV3, targeting a national audience in the age group of 15-30 years. Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) Marketing and Promotions Manager, Sala Pio Tagi’ilima said “the show is a unique expression of our nation’s Pacific style, inclusive of all New Zealand cultures.”

It went on air in April 2005 and its audience has grown since.

“Pacific Beat ST is like no other series on mainstream TV because it presents stories and unabashed opinions from a multi-cultural perspective.

“….with the ever-changing face of New Zealand’s population, this series reflects what’s new and exciting in our nation’s ever increasing melting pot. Pacific Beat St is the beat of the nation.”

STA General Manager, Matatamaali’i Sonja Hunter said the Pacific Beat team comprises of talented Pacific Islanders who are actors, actresses and presenters. The group has traveled to the Cook Islands and Tonga. Mr Wolfgramm said the trip to Samoa will create episode 104. The story should help Samoans in New Zealand, who have never been here, to understand their culture and way of life.

“There are some people in our team who are part Samoan but have never been here so there have been a few tears shed,” he said.

Episode 104 will feature cultural activities like the slap dance, tuiga, the plantation and the traditional shell game, taulafoga.

Here for a week, the group is staying at Vavau Beach fales, managed by Warwick Hotel.

Source: Samoa Observer / Image: Samoa Observer