Ariana

During this holiday, I would like to remember those who gave their life to fight for freedom in Ariana (Afghanistan).  Here is a poem I wrote on Christmas day...dedicated to the many who bravely fought & died for freedom on foreign soil.

"Ariana...
In this foreign, yet familiar land
Lies not but a memory
Foretold by the stars
Barely a lifetime of moments
Paid with the river of blood and tears
One last drawn breath
Culminating with a final heartbeat". -Christina Regina Maiava Schaff  

Samoan Feature Film Possible Academy Awards Contender

The first Samoan featured film of this magnitude Orator (O le Tulafale) premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2011. The film was shot entirely in Samoa (Upolu) in the native language.  Another first, New Zealand submitted this beautiful moving picture in the "Best Foreign Language Film" category.  Subsequently, it has been selected as an Oscar contender in this category.   View portions of the film and commentary from Producer/Director/Cast on You Tube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3okadiIZbk&sns=fb

On October 13, AMPAS announced that 63 countries had been accepted to participate in the competition for the 2012 Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, including a first-time submission from New Zealand. [Source: Wikipedia: List of submissions to the 84th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film]

New Zealand Film Commission CEO Graeme Mason, who is on the AMPAS NZ selection committee, said: “This is the first time New Zealand has submitted a film for consideration for the Foreign Language Film category of the Academy Awards.  The selection of this film by a committee of such calibre is a further endorsement of the special qualities of this beautiful film and could provide a terrific platform for Tusi’s career as a filmmaker.”  [Source: The Hollywood Reporter, 9/28/2011]

Orator opened to theaters in New Zealand and Apia in October 2011.  No dates or information on a U.S. release.  For the curious at heart, more details on the film available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Orator.

Everyday the Moon Rises

Dedicated to a special man: my husband.

I know him who rises with the moon every day, flies to the ocean every day, fetching fish for the masses every day. Though the blind do not know him today. –Christina Regina Maiava Schaff

In Disguise

"A beautiful face can be ugliness in disguise...while an ugly face — a veil of true splendor" –Christina Maiava

Writing Tip

"Read, read, read. Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the most. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it is good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out the window." -- William Faulkner

Unchanged

Withstanding the test of time, American Samoa, you remain untouched even with change thrust upon you.

Viewing videos from the 1930s-40s at the Archives, for my research.

An Autumn Saturday

Such a beautiful Saturday morning.   Autumn is always picturesque in the countryside.   Trees lit with fire and gold as the cool breeze tries to break the sound barrier.   Ground covered with yesterday.   A sense of contentment, sitting here with my laptop, gazing out through the window pane.   Such beauty...this feeling of peace.   So much to be greatful for.