Framed with enchanting Fijian landscapes and carefully decorated with beautiful Fijian people and culture. A story about familiarity, growth, responsibility, love, respect and boxing… told in true Fiji style.
I wanted to create a boxing sports drama feature film with Pacific Island heart and warmth, driven by a conflicted protagonist and an unstoppable antagonist.
Bati 2025
The first ever Fijian feature film selected for Whanau Marama NZIFF. Beautifully filmed in Suva and the highlands of Namosi, with a Fijian cast and crew. Congratulations are due to the Bati team.
Young couple Sam (James Rabuatoka) and Rachel (Jedidiah Tuinasavusavu) leave their village life for independence and an opportunity to build a life together. But the realities of life in the comparatively bustling city of Suva are problematic. When humble work as a security guard isn’t enough to pay bills and cover the rent, Sam decides to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional boxer to support his struggling family. Can resilience and “boxing” provide the simple remedies for alignment and recalibration?
Professional and insightful, Bati is an honest and relatable story offering a vivid snapshot of Fijian life, framed with the enchanting beauty of the island landscapes, unique culture and beautiful people. With a soundtrack featuring local artists such as InsideOut, Sailasa Tora, Matanibola and the Viwalu Family Gospel, Bati’s distinctly Fijian spirit makes it a must see. — Craig Fasi