"The Turtle and the Shark," a famous Samoan legend brought to life by a BYU animation professor and four students, will premiere today at 7 p.m. in the HFAC Nelke Experimental Theatre.
Along with the film, the one-hour event will include live music, Polynesian dances, the film's special features and light refreshments.
The film will serve as the keystone to a mentoring project to help Polynesians capture their stories through animation. Those involved with the project will tour the Pacific Islands this spring, mentoring and offering workshops in visual storytelling.
Ryan Woodward, associate professor of animation and head of the project, said he's targeting the premiere to the Utah Polynesian community.
"If I can get their approval - their support - on it, then I know I've done my job right and I've made the film a success." Woodward said. "If they disapprove of the film, then I will pack it up and throw it in the garbage because it's made from a legend in their own culture."
The legend tells of two lovers who flee to another island to avoid being separated by their king. Fearing that their disobedience will bring dishonor to their families, the two kill themselves by jumping off a cliff. The gods have compassion on the couple and transform them into a turtle and a shark that will live forever.
The team spent two months researching Samoan stylistic artwork. As a result, the entire film resembles tapa cloth designs, a local art form made of bark cloth.
Woodward said the team corresponded with many Samoans, throughout the course of the project, who have "mentored us on the authenticity of what we're making, both in story and in style."
The project was conceived in August 2007, shortly after the team all found common interest in the Samoan culture. Woodward's wife is Samoan, two of the students are Polynesian and the other two have served LDS missions there.
The tour will take place in such locations as BYU Hawaii, National University of Samoa, and Pesega and Vaiola Church Colleges.
Copyright Brigham Young University 16 Apr 2008
