VAKA is a short documentary about the energy and resilience of the Tokelauan people as they weave their customary-wisdom regarding the environment with modern eco-technologies to respond to climate change. Tokelau was the first nation to aim for 100% of its electricity to be generated from solar as a result of the New Zealand funded Tokelau Renewable Energy Project in 2012. Their coral island atolls contribute a minimal amount of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet they are the first to be impacted by climate change. Tokelau's resilience in their daily response to the climate crisis exemplifies how they are leading by example. Vaka is directed by Kelly Moneymaker.

What is the most challenging aspect of being an independent female filmmaker in the film industry?

I am a lifelong learner who’s career experience has primarily been in the music industry, where the challenges as an indigenous/female creative are the same.  We are often not granted equal opportunities or pay and even after we’ve been successful, we have to prove ourselves every time we step through the door.  It can be tough, but I’ve never been one to give up on anything I’m passionate about.  Also, we’ve got to have each other’s backs.  Quite often. Women want to be part of “the boys’ club” to access opportunities, but it’s important to look out for our sisters.  There is strength in numbers so let go of the fear that another woman will take your opportunities and start creating jobs for each other.

Kelly Moneymaker is in Madrid with her film about Tokelau's climate change efforts. "It’s time to get in the vaka and help with the paddling", Kelly Moneymaker says.

"Also, even though they have all this long-term knowledge, they are embracing modern science, data collection and assistance from New Zealand to help them support their cultural wisdom.  "The combination of the two, I feel, could be the key to solving climate change issues. "Tokelau’s unique "inati" system, in which the atolls’ resources are shared equally, provides the platform for the approach. "It is always about sharing and taking care of each other."

Ms Moneymaker says the opportunity to go to Tokelau, which is reached via a 52-hour boat ride from Apia, Samoa, was an adventure she had to take. “The society is really beautiful. They gather food together, share the catch, and live collectively. “They’re solutionists as they have to keep evolving. Their resilience is very inspiring, and I learned a lot about my Pasifika roots.”

Tokelau is a global leader demonstrating its commitment for a better world.  Despite its very low greenhouse gas emissions – Tokelau contributes to 0.040% of New Zealand’s total emissions - Tokelau is also the first country in the world to source 100% of its electricity through renewable energy.

“A vaka or boat is an essential tool in Tokelau for fishing, harvesting coconuts and transportation it’s about whose in the vaka with you for support love and guidance.  It’s about moving toward the future together.  We were inspired by the resilient problem solving skills of the Tokelau people who combined their use of cultural wisdom and mod technology as they respond to climate change.”

Kelly Moneymaker came from a background of singing and songwriting, and has only recently found her passion for film. The sea walls, built to keep wave damage under control, were being eroded before their eyes.

The islands have "zero elevation - they're at sea level", Moneymaker said.  "But what's amazing is the Tokelauan people's resilience." Despite contributing little to global emissions, "every single day they work together to think of a solution to climate change".

Moneymaker was interviewed by filmmakers, Francesca Sewell and Alice Toomer for their COP25 Documentary called, Moana Blue Pacific.  "This documentary showcases the activities and impact of the joint New Zealand-Fiji government-hosted Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion at the COP25 UNFCCC climate summit held in Madrid in December 2019. It shows how Pacific nations – particularly their leaders and youth – are coming together to tell their climate change story and advocate for their future in the face of climate change."

Native American Creative Media Producer

Drum Song Films Owner-Operator