A new documentary by a Kiwi-Samoan filmmaker is set to premiere in Fiji this week, highlighting the growing problem of cyberbullying and online shame across Pacific communities.
The film, “Algorithm of Shame: In the Village, Everybody Knows”, explores how social media is being used to target and humiliate people in Fiji, and how quickly harmful content can spread once it goes online.
The film is directed by the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA)-nominated director Tuki Laumea, who says it is meant to challenge how Pacific communities understand life in the digital age.
He argues that the idea of the village, once built on close relationships and care, has been reshaped by social media, where attention often comes from outrage.
“The algorithm doesn’t care about talanoa or grace,” said Laumea.
