In an exciting development for the local film industry, 20 aspiring Cook Islands actors have been cast in pivotal roles for six new short films set to be filmed in Rarotonga.

This initiative by local company, Film Raro, not only showcases the rich talent in the country but also aims to highlight the unique stories and cultural heritage of the Cook Islands.

From the casting auditions, which were held last week at Te Ara Museum in Muri, Ngatangiia, several lead actors, varying in ages from teenagers to the older generation, have been confirmed.

The youngest being 17 to the eldest in her 70s – a variation of ages to tell Cook Islands stories that reflect the community.

Film Raro2 crew at Te Ara Museum. From left: Karin Willimas, Stan Wolfgramm and Robert Matapo. MELINA ETCHES/25031717

Pasifika storyteller and cultural sustainability entrepreneur Stan Wolfgramm is the executive producer of Film Raro2, which will bring six international film teams from USA, Australia, Fiji and New Zealand to shoot, edit and screen their films from April 2-11. The public screening will be held on April 12.

“These film teams will share their knowledge and expertise so that we can together make Cook Islands films,” said Wolfgramm.

“We have many actors and many roles and are still looking for a couple of leads.”

Film Raro is working with the actors throughout the week at Te Ara Museum.

“We would like to see some Cook Islands strong male hero characters and young boys audition – their time to shine on camera.”

Emma Kainuku-Walsh auditioning for role of Rebel in short film Ei Time to Remember, written by Ruth Tangiiau Mave and Stan Wolfgramm. KARIN WILLIAMS/25031716

The film crews will arrive on March 29 and start shooting from March 30.

Film locations will be positioned around the island, telling a diverse range of stories from a documentary on Cook Islands international musician Paora Apera (PDigsss), to 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 family returning home to connect to their roots, 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.

Local musicians and dancers, including Tuaine “Katu” Teiti and Henry Ahfoo Taripo, will also contribute to these films.

For more information, contact +682 77649 or email info@filmraro.com.