A New Day in Samoa (1959)
Channel: Archives New Zealand
Date: 2020-08-12

New Zealand's National Film Unit presents 'A New Day in Samoa' (1959)

In the South Pacific Islands of Western Samoa, Polynesian inhabitants have, with New Zealand aid, assumed control of their own affairs, and Western Samoa is the first United Nations Trust Territory to achieve internal self -government. The film shows early morning scenes in the village; tribal elders in traditional council; children singing in school; women roofing a house. Daily work includes the shipping of exports - copra, cocoa and bananas. Samoa is a place of colourful ceremony, and the film closes with a gathering of Samoan people at their ancient capital of Mulinu'u and with children dancing under the palms.