Support Ride 'Otai

Help Bring Ride 'Otai to Life!
 

Ride 'Otai is a heartwarming and hilarious Tongan workplace comedy that follows Ana and her fāmili as they juggle the chaos of a struggling family catering business. Full of laughter, tears, and the enduring bond of family — told with authenticity and pride.

We’re so close to the finish line — but we need your help.
Your support will go directly toward post-production, including colour grading, sound mixing, and marketing, so this proudly Pasifika story can reach the audiences it deserves.

Every donation helps us celebrate culture, family, and hustle — with heart and humour.
 

Let’s get Ride 'Otai across the line, together.

Starring Diamond Langi as Mele

Liline Tatafu | Ana

Mele Ailini Alatini | Sela

Tesi Naufahu | Tēvita

Aaron 'TheWesternGuide' Pulemagafa | Manu

Isoa Kavakimotu & Tama Farani | Writers & Directors

Danny Aumua | Producer, Co-Writer & Editor

Alex Jenkins | Director of Photography & Editor

Tarita Baquie | First Assistant Director (1st AD)

Siobhan Cade | Art Department

Faith Cruz | Sound Operator

Frankie Lolohea | Wardrobe

Isa Liai | Make-Up

We're almost at the finish line, we just need your help! All money raised will go towards:

• Post-production Grading
• Sound Mixing
• Marketing/Promotion

Welcome to Ride 'Otai — A Tongan Comedy With Heart

Ride 'Otai is a workplace comedy centred on Ana (Liline Tatafu) and her fāmili as they do everything they can to keep their family catering business afloat. But business is just the beginning — at its core, this is a story about family, forgiveness, and of course... FOOD.

Tensions simmer between Ana’s prodigal granddaughter Mele (Diamond Langi) and her strong-willed daughter Sela (Ailini Alatini), with years of hurt bubbling under the surface. Meanwhile, Ana’s grandson Tevita (Tesi Naufahu) is just trying to hold it all together — while helping his new brother-in-law Manu (Aaron ‘TheWesternGuide’ Pulemagafa) figure out how things work in this chaotic but love-filled kitchen.

In the first half of the season, we see the family pushed out of their comfort zone — all building up to their biggest challenge yet: cooking for the Tongan Royal Family. Along the way, there’s laughter, tears, vegan fish and chips, and even a cheeky rendition of the classic ‘Lome, Lome’.

A Lockdown Idea With Big Dreams

Ride 'Otai was born during the COVID-19 lockdown — a creative outlet for writers Isoa and Tama. Inspired by recent Tongan screen successes like For My Father’s Kingdom, The Legend of Baron To’a, and Red, White and Brass, they knew there was space — and a need — for more stories from our community.

This series is proudly bilingual, with 50% in English and 50% in Lea Faka-Tonga. For many born in the diaspora, language and storytelling are vital links to home — a way to keep identity strong, even from across the sea.

Thanks to seed funding from the Moana Reo Fund (Pacific Media Network), we kicked off production earlier this year. Now, we’re seeking your support to help get Ride 'Otai over the finish line.

Ride 'Otai is more than just a comedy — it’s a celebration of who we are! It’s about family, culture, and community. It’s about the strength in our struggles, the beauty in our chaos, and the laughter that carries us through.

This series gives voice to stories rarely seen on screen — stories filled with heart, humour, and truth. For many in our Pasifika communities, seeing ourselves reflected onscreen isn’t just empowering — it’s essential. It helps preserve our language, honour our parents and grandparents, and remind the next generation that they belong.

With your support, Ride 'Otai can reach the audiences it was made for. You’re not just helping us finish a show — you’re helping us tell a story that matters, and ensuring that Pasifika voices are seen, heard, and celebrated.