Independence for Fiji

1970, 51 Minutes.

This film records the independence celebrations of the Fijian Islands, in the South Pacific.

After 96 years under British rule, Fijian independence was restored in 1970. At the centre of celebratory events was HRH the Prince of Wales. Independence for Fiji records the official ceremony on 10 October that saw the handover of the constitutional instruments to the new government. It includes the reading of a message from Her Majesty the Queen by her son, the Prince of Wales and the official speech by the new Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamises Mara, in which he talks about the determination to build a strong, united Fiji, rich in its diversity.

The film also depicts ceremonies and performances from the various cultural groups that comprise the people of Fiji. Finally, we follow Prince Charles on tour to different locations, which include the old capital Levuka, as well as Taveuni, Savusavu, Nadi, Tavua, Labasa and Lautoka.

Narration in English. Languages spoken: English, Fijian. No English subtitles.

Produced by the Australian Commonwealth Film Unit and the Fiji Government Public Relations Office Film Unit for the Government of Fiji. © 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.