Ancient philosophy, opera and Tongan culture come together in this intimate portrait of a teacher, his school and his people as they navigate a sea of repression and doubt in a small but troubled Pacific island kingdom.
Take a look back at all of the Best Picture Oscars winners in the history of the ceremony.
User Lists
Related lists from IMDb users
Connect with IMDb
Share this Rating
Title: Tongan Ark (2012)
Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below.
Photos
Add Image
Add an image
Do you have any images for this title?
Edit
Cast
| Cast overview: | |||
|
|
Futa Helu | ... |
Himself
|
|
|
'Atolomake Helu | ... |
Herself
|
|
|
Sisi'uno Helu | ... |
Herself
|
|
|
Kik Velt | ... |
Himself
|
|
|
M.G. Horowitz | ... |
Himself
(as Michael Gene Horowitz)
|
|
|
'Opeti Taliai | ... |
Himself
|
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
Storyline
'Atenisi Institute is a place where Polynesian and European culture are creatively entwined. It is a Tongan school of European philosophy, music, art, democracy and science where criticism is the heart of Futa Helu's bold intellectual vision. Tongan Ark is a meditation on society, nature and the search for permanence in an otherwise chaotic and changing world. We follow Futa's family and students as they immerse themselves in his passions and principles. He taught them Italian opera, classical music and the Tongan traditions of song, poetry and dance. Performing arts tours to the United States, Australia, New Zealand and within Tonga funded his poor but brave school through hard times. But the odds are increasingly stacked against Futa and his supporters - the school buildings are crumbling and Futa, the charismatic leader is forced to retire by illness and old age. Riots for democracy have gripped the small nation and cultural and economic globalisation is causing turmoil. Two of ... Written by Paul Janman
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents »
Edit
See full technical specs »
Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
4 August 2012 (New Zealand) See more »Filming Locations:
TongaCompany Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »