An all Tongan core cast, stars in a Tongan/English bilingual drama, ‘Brutal Lives’ set to premiere on Wednesday, 5 August on The Coconet TV [2].

The six-part web series is inspired by true personalities - Pacific boxing stars that once reached dizzying heights in their sport but then had to pay the price physically for that dream.

The series tells the story of former prize-fighter, Soane ‘The Shark’ Valu who had the world at his feet until he lost it all. After Soane’s father dies, he reluctantly returns to South Auckland from America to face his estranged sister, the three kids he left behind and break the curse of his ancestor’s shame.

The series was created and written by Vela Manusaute and Tongan creative Sandra Kailahi, Director of Photography Grant McKinnon, and Story/Script Editor, Michael Bennett.

It was produced by Kingston Productions, which is owned by Sandra.

Sandra has also worked on other films such as For My Father’s Kingdom, Meet Munch Jr, and The Messiah.

“This is a special project for Kingston Productions,” said Sandra.

“Hearing the Tongan language and showing aspects of the Tongan culture in a drama has been empowering and a real joy to create for our communities.”

“Having a Tongan core cast was a dream to work with and we are incredibly grateful for the crew and all Polynesian stunt team who helped to bring this story to life.”

They include Joe Folau as Soane Valu alongside Albert Heimuli as the Tala Fekau, Saane Green, Sesilia Pusiaki Tatuila, Haanz Fa’avae Jackson, ‘Aisea Latu, and Jason Manumu’a.

Other actors include Stacey Leilua, Michael Koloi, Aleni Tufuga, Albert Mateni, ‘Ailini Manumu’a Alatini, Deborah Leilua, and newcomers, Sam Uoka and Brandon Sapolu.

The series also known in Tongan as 'Mo'ui Faingata'a' is the first Tongan/English bilingual drama funded by New Zealand On Air as part of its Pasifika and Asian Storytellers initiative.