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The Screen Guide

When it comes to gender there is a truly Samoan way of seeing the world. PARADISE BENT tells the story of the Samoan fa'afafines: boys who are raised as girls and play an important domestic role in Samoan culture. The anthropological spotlight has shone on Samoa many times this century, but there has been no mention of fa'afafines - is it possible the anthropologists just didn't notice them? According to the Samoans, fa'afafines have a long history in their culture. The traditional role of the fa'afafines is now under threat as the western drag scene filters into Samoa. The older fa'afafines are not impressed. Through our main character, Cindy, we see the complexities of life facing the modern day fa'afafine in paradise.

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Crew

Director
Heather Croall
Writers
Heather Croall
Producer
Heather Croall  Alison Elder
Executive Producers
Eva Wunderman
Dir. of Photography
Tony Wilson ACS
Composer
Andrew Hillam
Editor
Mark Atkin

Cast

Cindy - Auntie Tania - Mishie - Alan

Production Details

Production Completion
1999
Production Company
Re Angle Pictures Pty. Ltd.

Selected Awards & Festivals

  • Out in Africa South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
    (2002)
  • Out Takes - New Zealand Lesbian & Gay Film Festival
    (2001)
  • EthnoFilmfest Berlin
    (2001)
  • Inside Out - Toronto Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
    (2000)
  • Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival
    (2000)
  • Tel Aviv International Documentary Film Festival (Doc Aviv)
    (2000)
  • Frameline - San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival(2000)
  • Outfest Film Festival
    (2000)
  • London Australian Film Festival
    (2000)
  • Lesbian Film Festival - Berlin
    (2000)
  • Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
    (2000)
  • Columbus International Film & Video Festival
    (2000)
  • International Film Festival Cinenygma
    (2000)
  • Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short & Animation Films
    (2000)
  • "Reel Affirmations" Film Festival
    (2000)
  • Margaret Mead Film and Video Festival(1999)
  • Hawaii International Film Festival
    (1999)
  • Chicago International Film Festival
    (1999)