Digicel Samoa in partnership with Air New Zealand has been a host for the Premiere of Sione's 2 : Unfinished Business. The movie has been a long anticipated sequel to the hugely successful Sione's Wedding, with actors of Samoan descent taking the limelight and showcasing the acting skills of Samoans overseas.

 

"This movie has been highly anticipated and we are very excited to be able to support the Premiere and provide a Hollywood type experience in Samoa, which we rarely get to see in Samoa" Head of Marketing, Talai Lene.

 

From the arrival of the cast and crew, Digicel was there to provide a traditional welcome to the guests with an Ava Ceremony and a welcome dance by local traditional dance group, the traditional oratory skills of welcome was performed by the legendary Muliagatele Brian Lima (a former Manu Samoa player and sports star) and the stars were whisked away to stay at the renowned Aggie Greys Hotel & Bungalows, the accomodation choice of many high profile guests to the country.

 

The Cast were on a whirl-wind promotional tour during the stay, Press Conferences and coverage on Radio and TV were on the itinerary as the hype and excitment of the country was noticeble through the promotion run by Digicel, Win 1 of 50 Double passes were up for grabs for Digicel customers by texting through to a specified number for thier chance to be part of this anticipated Premiere.

 

"We have recieved so many texts coming in from customers wanting to win thier double pass" says a Customer Care Executive "Some of them have even begged to pay for the tickets as they say they have waited for so long to witness the sequel".

 

The Premiere took place at Apia's Apollo Cinema's and the crowd was a list of who's who of the Nation, the Prime Minister, Honourable Tuilaepa Neioti Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi delivered the opening speech and highlighted "The movie industry in Samoa is very small, but through these type of events we hope to attract more productions to produce movies here in our Country" commenting on how the Movie Business in Samoa has a potential to provide Employment opportunities and more avenues of creative expression.

 

"It has never been a factor for us to tell a story from the perspective of a Samoan who grew up in Samoa, our parents had moved us to New Zealand and we have portrayed the issues and sensitivities of this through this" Oscar Kightly on the question of cultural sensitivity. "We are always happy to be back in Samoa, to be back home, and to not feel as if we are the Minority".

 

Digicel Samoa customers also had the opportunity to ask the Cast and Crew questions via Facebook and were eager to find out candid information "When was the last time you ate a Carb?" was a question given to leading man Rob Magasiva "Last night, I had a panipopo and a vailima".