The Folau Effect

How do we resolve and undo the polarization that can ensue when modern societal values such as inclusion and diversity happen to clash?

We agree with journalist Amanda Ripley, who in her seminal piece 'Complicating the Narratives,' said that the media have escalated conflict and snuffed the complexity out of the conversation, making our audiences close down in judgment and indignation instead. We have, in essence, abrogated our power to help people out of conflict. When, on the other hand, people encounter complexity they become more curious and less closed off to new information. They listen. That's our impact vision.

1) To improve the understanding of Pasifika culture, especially in terms of faith and sexuality, among the public and sporting bodies.

2) To change the wider public's perception that the Pacific Islands and its diaspora are entirely mono cultural, staunchly conservative and lack a diverse set of opinions on matters such as faith and sexuality.

3) The improvement of the quality of the discourse around polarizing issues by encouraging a complicating of the narrative.

by its broadcast on national television and its wider distribution

They have re-affirmed the need to produce this film in a manner that despite its challenging subject matter is respectful of culture, the film's contributors and is made in partnership with the community in as far as possible in order to create a platform of acceptance rather than potential dismissal. We have developed a cultural duty of care statement which is constantly under review and being updated, including as a result of the project's Talanoas.

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It i snot easy not measure success when the goal is raising greater awareness of issues and a change in the manner that we discuss polarizing matters such as Folau's case. We will closely monitor the discourse following release of the film in the media, online and through social media. We will especially be looking for those 'I had no idea' moments and anything signalling attitude shifts.