The customary ceremony in New Caledonia
In New Caledonia, performing the customary ceremony is a gesture of respect and recognition towards Kanak culture. It is an important tradition, particularly when visiting a tribe, attending an official meeting, or participating in a cultural event.
How to perform the customary ceremony?
Prepare a small gift. The most common offerings include a sarong or colorful fabric, often accompanied by a symbolic sum of money, usually a 500 or 1,000 Pacific Francs bill. You may also offer food items such as rice, coffee, tobacco, or sugar, or bring specialties from your home region. The most important aspect is the gesture and intention, rather than the material value of the gift.
Upon arrival, look for the chief or an elder of the clan, as they are the customary representatives. If you are accompanied by a local resident, they can guide you through the process.
Give a simple and sincere speech. There is no strict protocol — just express the reason for your visit and your respect for the place and its people. If you wish, you can say a few words in Drehu, Nengone, or another Kanak language (for example, “Bozu”means hello in Drehu).
Place the gift in front of the chief or elder as an offering. Once it is accepted, an exchange of words takes place to officially welcome you.
After performing the ceremony, you are considered a guest and will benefit from the hospitality of the tribe. It is recommended to follow local customs and ask for permission before taking photos.
Perform the customary ceremony demonstrates respect for Kanak culture and your hosts. This symbolic act strengthens the bond between visitors and locals. It is an essential gesture that ensures a warm welcome.
Films in New Caledonia
Discover the best of New Caledonian films and contact their production teams directly through the dedicated website promoting films made in New Caledonia and supported by the Audiovisual and Cinematographic Support Fund.
This website, created by the Government of New Caledonia in collaboration with local producers’ associations, provides regional, national, and international visibility for local productions. It serves as a valuable tool for broadcasters and programmers.
To find out more : https://filmsennouvellecaledonie.nc
Fiction Collection
For the past four years, The Fiction Collection has been driven by the Caledonian Association of Fiction Producers (ACPF), which handles the subtitling and promotion of a program of Caledonian films, broadcast in the French Alliances across the Pacific region with the support of major Caledonian institutions.
The 2024 Fiction Collection was showcased as part of the New Caledonia Film Festival last September in Australia and New Zealand, with a total of 22 screenings across 16 cities, attracting around 700 spectators. Previous editions have also allowed the program to be broadcast in Fiji, Vanuatu, and Singapore.
The 2025 Collection brings us some exciting new discoveries : 1 hour and 28 minutes of films made by New Caledonian filmmakers, subtitled in English and soon to be screened in Alliances Françaises across New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and many more locations as part of the New Caledonia Film Festival !
This program includes presentations by the filmmakers and always finds an audience eager to discover Caledonian cinematic talents !
To find out more : www.facebook.com/acpfproducteursfiction