The Panthers Episode 3: Vea Mafile’o and Lealani Siaosi

Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries

In the third episode of The Panthersm host Benji Timu has a talanoa with Director Vea Mafile’o and actress Lealani Siaosi who played the character of Dr. Melani Anae. This episode focused on the topic of equality for women, and what it is like for Pasifika women in the film and entertainment industry in Aotearoa New Zealand. Vea discussed how she got into the film industry, and what led her to be involved in The Panthers television series. Lealani talked about what it was like to play the powerful and important character that was Dr Melani Anae in her breakout television acting role, as well as what it was like to meet the real Melani in person. A special thanks to host Benji Timu, and Jaunnie Ilolahia, and Villa Junior Lemanu, along with the Auckland Council Pasifika Success team for supporting this podcast series.