Red, White and Brass

It’s 2011 in Wellington and the seventh Rugby World Cup is just around the corner. Reprising his film role, John-Paul Foliaki stars as Maka, a Tongan superfan, who will do whatever it takes to score tickets for the most important game of their lives – the Tonga versus France Rugby World Cup game.

When Maka and his cousin Veni fail in getting tickets, they decide to form a traditional Tongan marching band for the pre-match entertainment, just so they can go to the game. The only problem is, the band doesn’t exist and Maka has four weeks to put one together.

With the help of his fāmili, his mates and local church members, Maka rallies together a band of misfits who know nothing about marching, nor do they have any instruments.

What starts out as just a cynical scam to see a rugby game becomes a journey of self-discovery in which Maka and Veni will learn the importance of their Tongan culture, their community, and what really matters in life.

Inspired by an amazing ’straight-up’ true story and with bucketloads of Tongan māfana (warmth), Red, White and Brass is a story of friendship, family and fearlessly standing up for what you believe in.

Co-produced by Piki Films and Miss Conception Films.

A stage adaptation commissioned by Auckland Theatre Company of the film Red, White and Brass. Film screenplay by Halaifonua Finau and Damon Fepulea’i, and directed by Damon Fepulea’i.