'Ofeina'o Lesieli (2019)

• 67%
• 2019
• Documentary
• Shannon Robinson

'Ofeina'o Lesieli "I Love You, Lesieli" is a documentary short film set in the capital city of Nuku'alofa which takes place in the Kingdom of Tonga - A tropical country situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. This idyllic, tropical country is often coined 'The Friendly Islands' due to the hospitality and charm of its residents. Here we spend a day in the life of Lesieli, a bright and loveable young Tongan woman living with Down Syndrome. After having discovered a passion for table tennis, Lesielis' life has become blessed in new and exciting ways. Along the way, we meet Lesielis' committed mother Alisi and her caring table tennis coach Simote. Both of these beautiful souls play essential roles in Lesielis' world. Things begin to get complicated when Alisi reveals the heart of the story. Their first-hand experience with the locals' belief in magic and how this notion negatively impacts people living with disabilities, both in Tongan society and other pacific islands.