Meet Peter Filimaua | Writer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Peter Filimaua and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Peter, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Film to me, was always what I saw doing. As a kid, I was enthralled by the behind-the-scenes of DVDs and Blu-rays. Being able to see how films were made showed me that anyone could do it. My mom was also a big advocate of reading, and that was my introduction to storytelling. In addition to that, my dad and cousins would take me to the movies to see stuff that I definitely shouldn’t have at a young age. I owe all of them thanks for pursuing this crazy dream.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Lord of the Rings, and The Dark Knight were staples of my childhood. The one cemented at the top for me, though, goes to Peter Jackson’s 2005 film, King Kong. I remember crying in the theater when Kong fell off the Empire State Building and being scolded by my dad for it. He asked me why I was crying, and I couldn’t find an answer. Why was I crying for a giant ape? As a 7-year-old, I hadn’t realized it yet, but it was the moment I discovered my love for films. It showed the true power of filmmaking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m happy to just have graduated with my Master’s degree in film from USC. It’s been a long three and a half years, but I’ve learned so much. I’ve pursued filmmaking since I was a kid, and I’ve always heard people ask this question: Why do you want to make movies? My answer was always something along the lines of “I want to entertain and inspire people.” I know it’s probably the generic answer, but it still rings true to today. It’s why I started in the first place.

I want to make movies to inspire the next generation of filmmakers. The dreamers, the ones that don’t know what impossible is. As a Mexican-Samoan kid, people always looked at me sideways for saying I wanted to be a director. I didn’t care. My hope is for someone out there to see a movie I make and be inspired to create something, to go out and tell their own stories. If I can do it, then I’m sure anyone can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Go to the movies!!

AMC is cool but if you can see them here you’re even cooler.
Harkins Chino Hills, Gardena Cinema, CGV Cinema, and any Laemmle theaters

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shoutout GOD. He’s gotten me through it all. I also owe a debt of gratitude to my mom, dad, and sister. They’ve always supported my dreams of filmmaking, and I’m very grateful for that. I’d also like to shoutout these amazing people: Asa Bailey, Bo Valencia, Brandon Lê, Brenton Bender, Bryson Moore, Bunthoeun Real, Catrina Freeman, Corina Penaia, Cheryl Penaia, Daniel Garcia, Felipa Perez, Ifeanyi Ezieme, Jalen Christopher, Joshua Leomiti, Kameha Filimaua, Kalani Filimaua, Leilani Filimaua, Max Marchand, Raymond Penaia, Rodolfo Perez, Saif Vaid, Sarah Arthur, South Sea, and Zakkarya Valdez.

Website: https://filifilms.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterfilimaua/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-filimaua-ba08b3156/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeterFilimaua

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peter.filimaua

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMyw05h0yeTiTJv6LQVo39g

Image Credits
Dante Bailey, Phyras Men, Visual Communications