Kui fefine (Grandmother)
- The last time I saw my grandmother, Ana Malia Kaitapu. It was during this same year I was in Tonga to document the Coronation of the late King George Tupou V. He was king for only a short period of time before he passed as well.
During this time there were demonstrations against the last Polynesian Monarchy amongst a large enough number of Tongan citizens that it was being addressed publicly.
As most won't know what they are looking at: You will hear my grandmother speaking over imagery of the King’s Palace at sunset. You will see images of coronation preparations being evaluated by Princess Pilolevu. Signs put up by protesters. Stained glass in the King's Church. King Siaosi Tupou V during a coronation celebratory performance.
This resonates deeply with me as I see tones of generational knowledge, an individuals experience, Tongan culture and a complex society.
Change can be very difficult as we know. But we can handle a lot more if we stick together and grow together.