Social media star Simeon “Uce Gang” Fiapule is swapping comedy skits for the director’s chair with his debut short film, Men of Light, a Pasifika thriller inspired by the Dawn Raids.
With more than three million followers across social media, Fiapule is best known for his Pacific humour. Now, he’s turning his attention to a darker chapter in New Zealand’s history.
Men of Light follows 13-year-old Ioane as families mysteriously disappear from his Auckland neighbourhood. His search for answers leads to a disturbing discovery.
Inspired by the Dawn Raids of the 1970s, when Pacific communities were targeted in immigration enforcement operations, the film explores the fear and uncertainty of that period through a child’s eyes.
Rather than directly revealing its historical connection, the film uses suspense to encourage audiences to reflect on the experiences of Pacific families and the impact still felt generations later.
The film is one of eight short films supported by Day One Hāpai te Haeata, an initiative helping emerging filmmakers tell stories exploring cultural, social and political issues.
For Fiapule, it marks a new chapter beyond the comedy content that made him an online sensation.
Following its premiere at the Show Me Shorts Film Festival, Men of Light is available to watch at dofilm.co.nz and YouTube.
