Film Raro2 is telling our own stories with our own voices. A world first concept in the way that it links passionate filmmakers to indigenous people to collaborate in the production of international short films.

Producer and creator Stan Wolfgramm stated the Cook Islands needed to learn more about telling their own digital stories to aid social and economic development.

“To be able to see themselves on screen, hear their own language, preserve heritage, culture and identity, to have a voice in today’s audio visual digital world.”

After 10 days of intensive filming on Rarotonga, tonight at 7pm, international short films will be screened at the Tupapa Maraerenga Sports Field (next to Te Are Kariori/National Auditorium).

To watch the public screening, bring along a gold coin donation to support Autism Cook Islands. Families are encouraged to bring your mats and picnic baskets.

Local crew and cast member Terence Tereapii Tangatapoto was thrilled to be given the opportunity to explore the filming industry.

“It’s been exciting. I felt nervous for this first time ever experience in filming and I’m very grateful for the opportunity

“Hopefully, this will go a long way in supporting our local Cook Islands film industry, especially in telling our own Cook Islands stories. Many thanks to our overseas crew from overseas and also to Stan Wolfgramm, Karin Williams and Film Raro2, meitaki ma’ata.”

Five international film teams have been working with local crew and cast to shoot:

• a documentary on Cook Islands international musician Paora Apera (PDigsss),
• a love story between a navigator and a star,
• a teenage girl who lives one minute in the future hacking rocket propelled transport containers to support her family and village,
• a grandson and grandfather dealing with the loss of their island to a raising ocean, and
• a woman learning to love again by making and giving Cook Islands ei.

The 2025 FilmRaro2 Local Crew and Cast are: Angelique Keyne – Faiva, Bubs Vaetoru - Ei Time To Remember, David Teata – Faiva, Henry AhFoo Taripo, Jesse Totini - Star & Navigator, Karin Williams, Tuaine Katu Teiti - Because I Love You, Kohen Holley – Detour, Logan Melvin - Ei Time To Remember, Ma Pirangi - Star & Navigator, Rob Matapo, Ruth Mave - Ei Time To Remember, Shaun Bamber – Faiva, Stan Wolfgramm, Terence Tangatapoto - Because I Love You, Thomas Kea – Detour.

The local actors include: Ruby Tuaine Newport, Kohen Holloway, Johnnie Tangaroa, Jesse Totini, Anand Naidu, Terangi Totini, Yarrall family, Anj Barton, Hana May, Dale Corlett, Glenda Tuaine, Emma Kainuku Walsh, Nooke Caffery, Teuruaa Goldsworthy, Ra Tangaroa, Steven, Kieran & Leslie Chan, Leroy, Ayvan & Payton, Cynthia Daley, Mata Manu, Baby Arapata, Pascale Garnier Cowan, Kahiki Tehaamatai, Terence Tangatapoto, Tuaine Katu Teiti, Kahu, Zarina Finch, Joyana Finch, Max Makianu, Ngatupuna Kae and Zoe Hoff. – Melina Etches