Vilsoni Hereniko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vilsoni Hereniko
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| Born | October 13, 1954 Hapmak, Itu'ti'u, Rotuma
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| Alma mater | University of the South Pacific University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne |
| Occupation | Professor at University of Hawaiʻi |
| Known for | Writer & Director of The Land Has Eyes |
Vilsoni Hereniko was born on October 13, 1954. He is a talented writer, film director, and teacher from Rotuma, an island in Fiji. He is famous for writing and directing The Land Has Eyes, which was the very first feature film ever made in Rotuma.
About Vilsoni Hereniko
Vilsoni Hereniko grew up in Mea village, located in the Hapmak area of Rotuma, Fiji. He went to school right there on his home island.
He studied at the University of the South Pacific, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a special teaching certificate. Later, he traveled to the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to get his Master's degree in Education. In 1991, he completed his PhD in literature and language back at the University of the South Pacific.
Today, Vilsoni Hereniko is a professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He teaches students about literature, theatre, and film, sharing his knowledge and passion for storytelling.
His Creative Work
Writing Plays
Vilsoni Hereniko started writing plays in the mid-1970s. Some of his early plays include Don't Cry Mama, A Child For Iva, Sera's Choice, and The Monster. His plays often explore important themes and stories from his culture. In 1997, he received the Elliott Cades Writing Award for all his amazing contributions to literature.
Making Movies
Vilsoni Hereniko has also been involved with the Hawai‘i International Film Festival, helping to choose and judge films.
His most well-known film is The Land Has Eyes, which came out in 2004. This movie is special because it was filmed in his home island of Rotuma. It was shown at the famous Sundance Film Festival in 2004, which is a big deal for filmmakers. The Land Has Eyes was even Rotuma's official entry to the Academy Awards in 2006! The film also won "Best Overall Entry" at the 2005 Wairoa Maori Film Festival and "Best Dramatic Feature" at the 2004 ImagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival.
Films He Directed
- The Land Has Eyes (2004) – He was both the writer and the director for this film.
