HIBISCUS & RUTHLESS

Comedy
New Zealand, 2018, 97 min.

Directed and written by: Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa
Cast: Suivai Autagavaia, Anna-Maree Thomas, Lafitaga Mafaufau

Independent, constantly hungry rebel Ruth and serious, pedantic Hibiscus who is always ready and waiting with a snack. Ever since childhood, these two friends have abided by the rules – no fun, no boyfriends and study comes first. But now that they are in their final year of university, boys are
starting to take a serious interest in Hibiscus. So to please her overbearing mother, Hibiscus enlists Ruth’s help to fend off any temptation. This comedy set in Auckland is a Samoan New Zealander take on themes around women and ethnicity, all the while delivering the message that it’s good to be the one who makes decisions in your own life. A favourite with audiences in New Zealand cinemas