We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Peter Filimaua. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Peter below.
Hi Peter, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Navigating the terrain of my identity was not always easy in a room being the only Mexican-Samoan, as societal perceptions often reduced me to mere fragments of my multifaceted existence. I found myself caught between worlds, seldom fully acknowledged for the amalgam of identities I embody. It was through filmmaking that led me toward self-realization, and I gradually came to realize the importance of forging an uncharted path – one uniquely my own. I strive to tell films with a universal resonance while anchoring them in the diverse tapestry of my upbringing. Grounded in my multicultural perspective, I strive to captivate and engage audiences across the spectrum of human diversity. In the realm of cinema, I never saw much of any of my people on the screen, and when I do, it is in stereotypical roles. This is why when I had the opportunity to craft my graduate thesis film, “Fili,” at USC, I seized the chance to illuminate the intricacies of my culture on the big screen. Despite the milestone of being the first Samoan-centered film to come out of the program, I know there are so many more untold stories that need to be portrayed.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a Mexican-Samoan filmmaker, I’m excited to see more stories of my people on the big screen. To me, representation is important because it fosters a profound sense of belonging. Growing up, the towering presence of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson served as a beacon of inspiration. From his electrifying performances in the wrestling arena to his portrayal of Mathayus in “The Scorpion King,” he instilled in kids like me a steadfast belief in the possibility of making it in the industry. Now, as a writer and director, my compass unfailingly points towards centering my people and their rich cultural tapestry in every narrative I craft. What excites me now is seeing a new wave of Latin and Pasifika filmmakers and actors enter the industry. I’ve always known that there is a plethora of talent out there; it’s just up to us to make it happen. While there is a tide shifting towards more diversity on screen, it’s happening at a rate that could be faster. I can’t wait for the days when I’m able to see more people who look like me in front of and behind the camera. For now, I plan to do my part and keep chipping away little by little so that one day, the next generation will inherit a world with more creative freedom and possibilities.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One of the biggest skills that has helped me is having an open mindset. As a kid, I was very curious about the world, so anytime an idea popped into my head, I tried it. Sometimes, those ideas got me into trouble, but more often than not, they led me to discover things that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I carried this same philosophy into my filmmaking. However, throughout my educational journey, I was met with a lot of adversity when I used this ethos. It was frustrating, but one thing that I had to understand is that as we get older, it is difficult to change our perspective. Many of my teachers and professors were in this category and were stuck in the same mindset as how filmmaking and Hollywood, in particular, operated in the past. Despite this, I will always believe that you should try something new, even if you might not think it’ll work. Another good skill that’s helped me is having a strong work ethic. No matter how many great ideas you have, they’re just that – an idea. You have to put in the work to see them through. As a writer, if I don’t put my pen to paper, that story will never get told. You have to put the work in. This applies to every discipline.
Lastly, I would say being able to be rejected has helped me immensely. I know that might sound weird, but it’s helped me build tough skin. It’s taught me to never give up and to just get better at whatever I’m trying to achieve.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The biggest support I’ve had has come from my faith in God. In an industry oftentimes shrouded in the glamorous veneer of success, the topic of highs and lows is rarely talked about. This industry is a rollercoaster of emotions. There will be times when you have work and times when you don’t, but it’s been important to me to always seek and put God first. Whether it’s going to church or bible study sessions on Zoom, they’ve helped me stay grounded in my faith. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13.
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Image Credits
Character Media, Steve Escarcega, Steven Lam.
