Ian and his family relocated to sunny Nelson at the end of March 2019. He works as semi-professional freelancer. Since arriving, he’s been making new connections within the film society and wider community.
As a theatre practitioner and film maker, his particular focus is on strengthening Pasifika voices, presence and visibility in the arts.
His key credits include Lead Support in the multi-award winning film ‘Rock Bottom’ – Written & Directed by Aaron Falvey; Co-Director, Writer and Producer on the award winning short film documentary ‘Our Stories’ 2021 – nominated for five categories and won Best Music and Best Documentary; Co-Director ‘Lipstick Kisses’ – 48HR Film Festival 2019; Co-Director of Massey University’s ‘Still Waiving’ 2017, forming part of the biennial global ‘Climate Change’ theatre event; Playwright – short play: A Girl’s Dance (Where is the Hope? An Anthology of Short Climate Change Plays); Assistant Director, Stage Manager and Choreographic team on Te Rakau Theatre Hua o Te Wao Tapu Trust’s epic four-play series ‘The Undertow’; Lead support actor in ‘The Great Maiden’s Blush’ feature film; and lead actor in the ‘Maul’ short film.
Ian studied at Whitireia Community Polytechnic attaining a Diploma, Degree and a Post-Graduate Diploma in stage and screen arts. In 2016, Ian graduated with a Masters of Theatre Arts (MTA) in Directing, co-delivered by Aotearoa’s prestigious drama school Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School and Victoria University of Wellington. He is the only Samoan in Aotearoa with this degree.
