Life imitates arts degree
When Conor Lui sees his nana, Fane Lui-Fakaotimanava, on the big screen later this year, he’ll be pinching himself. His short film, Mitaki Lahi (which features his nana) was selected to be part of the Down Under Berlin Film Festival this September.
It’s not the only thing that’s making him feel ‘pretty blessed’ right now. The Victoria University Bachelor of Arts (BA) graduate works as a paid intern at Moviepilot.com, an American-German movie website company based in Berlin. By day, he gets to research and discuss movies, while in his ‘down time’ he’s busy making his own films and travel videos.
Conor says his BA—in Film with combined majors in English Literature and Pacific Studies—was extremely relevant to the career path he’s followed since graduating.
It kept my career options open while giving me valuable skills that I could adapt to the different jobs I've had since finishing university—strong written skills, an analytical mind, along with creativity and critical thinking.”
The students and staff Conor met at Victoria also had an impact on his path.
“I was inspired to join a Niuean cultural group and to get more in touch with my heritage, and my studies definitely led me to my first job after graduating, working as a M
Conor says his Film major helped him realise his passion for the medium, and led to his current job and his previous roles—at Weta Workshop making props, weapons and costumes for The Hobbit and as assistant manager at Lighthouse Cinema Cuba.
For Conor, the secret of his success has been taking a leap of faith, and knowing when to ask for help.
“Our friends, family and the staff at Victoria are only too happy to help, and Victoria has incredible support in place for Pasifika students.
“Sometimes it takes more than one oar to paddle our vaka to success.”