The Fiji Audio Visual Commission will host the premier of locally made telemovie "Pirates Island: Lost Treasures of Fiji" at Village Six Cinemas on Wednesday 30th July.

The film, which was made in Fiji last year, is a children's adventure movie. The story is about two top gamers from around the world who are in Fiji to launch a new computer game - The Lost Treasure of Fiji. However, things go wary and they find themselves inside the game. They try to get out and in the process have to overcome pirates and tropical dangers.

Commenting on the release of the film locally, FAVC Chairperson Sharon Smith-Johns said, "We are really excited about this premier because two of the main stars of the movie are locals." She added that Sera Tikotikoivatu and Wame Valentine star alongside a cast of Australian actors including Saskia Burmeister (Hating Alison Ashley), John Noble (Lord of the Rings), Kain O'Keeffe, Joey Atkins and Adelaide Clemens. Sera plays a modern Fijian girl "Kirra" who is thrown into the swashbuckling computer game where she must pit her skills against pirates in a race for lost treasure. Wame plays the role of "Sol" a traditional guardian of the secret treasure.

The movie was filmed at Pacific Harbour and nearby locations. The "Lost Treasures of Fiji" is a sequel to the internationally successful series "Pirates Island" and was financed under the audiovisual tax incentives administered by the Fiji Audio Visual Commission. It was initially shot as a TV series at the end of which the producers shot some extra footage to make this telemovie. The total budget is approximately $16m and it has local investors in addition to the local cast.

"We are thrilled to have discovered such incredible talent in Fiji," said Producer Jonathan M Shiff. "This is a wonderful opportunity for Sera and Wame to establish a reputation in Fiji and internationally to millions of children where they will be terrific ambassadors for Fiji," he said.

Ms Smith-Johns also said that Mr Shiff is a world-renowned maker of children's TV series and movies and the fact that the movie showcases Fiji actors and locations, and also uses local crew and resources is great for the industry.

The movie's Executive Producer, Mr Geoffrey Shiff will attend the premier. Ms Smith-Johns said that Mr Shiff's presence is very encouraging and it will also give the FAVC the opportunity to discuss future areas of common interests. Jonathan Shiff Productions was established in 1988 and it is now a world leader in children's television programming.