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Vaha’a | The Distance Between

@vahaamovie

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Directed By: @holy.moli
Written By: @holy.moli & @derekpueblo
Executive Producer: @saralovestyle

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VAHA’A | THE DISTANCE BETWEEN will be released this week.

What a beautiful journey this has been.

3 years ago, this film began as scattered thoughts, emotions, and experiences written down in moments of reflection. To now see it become something tangible, something real that can be shared with the world… phew! It’s been one of the most healing experiences of my life.

Our festival run has been incredible, and I’ve been grateful for every screening, every conversation, and every person this film has connected with along the way. But more than anything, I’m excited to finally release this film into the world.

There’s a real fear in vulnerability. Fear in taking the thoughts that live inside your mind and placing them on screen for others to see. My heart would beat out of my chest every single time this film played in a packed theater because it comes from very personal places. From my experiences with masculinity, fatherhood, culture, grief, love, and healing.

But if this story can help even one person feel seen… challenge a perspective… spark a conversation… or inspire healing in any way… then every second of this journey will have been worth it.

VAHA’A releases Wednesday, May 27th. by @vahaamovie

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5 months ago

Vaha’a | The Distance Between - Official Short Film Trailer - Directed by @holy.moli

After his mother’s death, a boxer struggles with grief and a strained relationship with his father, who coaches him in the ring but remains distant outside of it, forcing him to fight both opponents and inner demons.

Director: @holy.moli
Writers: @holy.moli @derekpueblo
Executive Producer: @saralovestyle
DP/ Cinematography: @derekpueblo

CAST
Pingi Moli
@sampuefua
Peter Navy Tuiasosopo
Steve Moli
@s_moli18
Gilbert Chavarria
@kevindorman
@malikalatasi
@nickihustle
@sini.lau
@thealexvai
@enele.m
Deon Elam
@saralovestyle

Production Designer: @ethankankula
Stunt/Fight Coordinator: @enele.m
Fight Choreography:
Enele Tauteoli
Lau Tauteoli
Pingi Moli
Malik Alatasi
2nd Unit Director: @derekpueblo
Production Sound: @shieldssounds
Gaffer/1st AC: @scottdw
2nd AC/Keygrip: @peterfilimaua
Makeup: @megdi_tedla_mua
Language Consultant: @imvaenuku
Music by: @jaromsua @sionetoki @kimelao @scottdw @brendenbytheway
ADR/Drum Recording: @scottdw
Sound Designer/Mixer: Andree Lin & Dorothy Hyunjung Lee
Editor/Colorist: @derekpueblo
Vocalist: @s_moli18
Guitarist: @samblakelock
Vocal Recordist: @mixedbymisha
Set Photography: @lissettelivingtiny

Trailer edit by: @derekpueblo

#Tonga #Samoa #Polynesia #Boxing #Film by @vahaamovie

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3 years ago

VAHA’A | THE DISTANCE BETWEEN is now live. Comment “WATCH” and I’ll send you the link to the film directly.

After 3 years, this film now belongs to the world.

A story about masculinity, grief, culture, and healing. I hope it speaks to you. If it does, please share 🙏🏾 by @vahaamovie

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5 months ago

WE WON BEST SHORT FILM! It’s been an incredible weekend with the LA SKINS FEST. From our showing on opening night at @creativeartistsagency to being recognized on awards night at the Hardrock in Hollywood, it’s been such a special weekend. Couldn’t be more grateful to @skinsfest for creating an incredible space for indigenous voices to prosper. I’m inspired by the work they do 🙏🏾

Congrats to the @vahaamovie team, especially to the cast and crew. Their talent and skills really allowed for this film to be what it is. Ofa atu 🤙🏾 taken in TCL Chinese Theatres by @vahaamovie

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a year ago

Honored to share that our short film @vahaamovie just won the Special Jury Award at the Oscar-qualifying LA Asian Pacific Film Festival. This journey has been nothing short of incredible, and I’m grateful to all who have supported us along the way.
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Directed By: Pingi Moli
Written by: Pingi Moli & Derek Pueblo
Executive Producer: Sara Hood taken in Directors Guild of America by @vahaamovie

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a year ago

Los Angeles, we’re coming home! Our film will be screening at the prestigious Directors Guild of America on Sunset Blvd as part of #LAAPFF2025 and we couldn’t be more grateful.

This moment carries mixed emotions. We’ve recently lost two beloved members of our Vaha’a family. Our Los Angeles Premiere is a special one as we get to bring our film to their home.

We’ll be in the Pacific Cinewaves program, showing on May 2nd at 6pm.

Thank you, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival for this honor. See you soon, LA. taken in Directors Guild of America by @vahaamovie

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2 years ago

Rest in love, Peter Navy Tuiasosopo.

From the entire Vaha’a family, we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. Peter’s wisdom was instrumental in shaping and elevating the heart of our film. As a pioneer for Pacific Islanders in Hollywood, he paved the way for so many, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Fa’afetai tele lava, Peter. Your presence, your wisdom, and your impact will never be forgotten. by @vahaamovie

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2 years ago

Had an incredible World Premiere of @vahaamovie at @hiffhawaii this past weekend! Mahalo to everyone who came out and supported us. I’m not one to usually celebrate achievements, and I always feel a bit weird when I do, but it was truly special to celebrate this film with all of you over the weekend. Huge thanks to the amazing cast and crew—this film wouldn’t have been possible without you. It was an honor to share it!
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Director: Pingi Moli
Writers: @holy.moli @derekpueblo
EP: @saralovestyle taken in Oahu, Hawaii by @vahaamovie

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2 years ago

🌊 World Premiere Alert 🌊

The Vaha’a team is beyond thrilled to announce that our film will have its World Premiere at the prestigious Hawai’i International Film Festival! 🌺✨ We can’t imagine a better place to debut this universal story through a Polynesian lens. @hiffhawaii is a celebration of culture, creativity, and community—making it the perfect home for our film.

To all our ‘ohana in Hawai’i, we’ll be screening on October 11th and 13th in O’ahu, alongside some truly incredible shorts. We can’t wait to share this journey with you!

Thank you for your support—Mahalo, Fa’afetai lava, and Malo ‘aupito!
#hiff2024 taken in Oahu, Hawaii by @vahaamovie

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2 years ago

Had the honor of being invited to showcase my film @vahaamovie at @lionsgate for their invitation-only shortfilm showcase (Our World Premiere is still valid if you’re a festival programmer 😆). Thank you to @cliquenowmanagement @starz and @starztakethelead for providing this opportunity. Thank you to @jesvu @capeusa for the recommendation! First time ever showing to a live audience on the big screen and the experience was UNREAL! Be sure to follow @vahaamovie for where we’ll be showing next as we begin our festival run 🤙🏾 taken in Lionsgate Screening room by @vahaamovie

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2 years ago

Your life can change in a matter of months. Executive producer was not on my 2023 bingo, but I am always up for a new challenge!

The trailer for Vaha’a “The Distance Between” is officially here!

This movie was personal for director @pingimoli and I as we learned to navigate grief, resilience, and the inner demons we struggle with in life. Share if this resonates.

Let me know in the comments if you’re intrigued to see the full short film after watching the trailer 🥊 #shortfilm #filmfestival taken in Los Angeles, California by @vahaamovie

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