The University of Fiji documentary "Drua: A Beacon of Discovery"

The University of Fiji premiered its documentary film, "Drua: A Beacon of Discovery," to Fijian audiences at red carpet events in Saweni, Lautoka, and Suva, following a successful international debut at the Pacific Arts Festival in Hawai’i. The film captures the University's research on climate change mitigation and adaptation through the traditional canoe, the I Vola Siga, documenting traditional ecological knowledge in the villages of Veiseisei, Lauwaki, and Namoli. Involving staff and students, the project highlights the impacts of climate change on local communities. Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem noted that the film was commissioned to anthropologically record the research for film festivals and television. The Drua, with Captain Setareki from the Centre for iTaukei Studies, aims to continue its voyage to other villages and coastal areas to further research the ecological and climate crises affecting ocean life in Fiji.