Tree 2019
"One evening Alisi (17) climbs a huge tree and won’t come down. As night falls and we discover her secret, Alisi must decide whether to bow to cultural family traditions or find a new path - with or without her family"
Directed by Lauren Jackson, *Tree (2019)* is a poignant short film packed with emotional weight and cultural tension.
Director: Lauren Jackson
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tree (2019) about?
*Tree* follows 17-year-old Alisi, who escapes to the top of a massive tree after her pregnancy becomes public knowledge through a social media post. As her family scrambles to confront her, Alisi faces a heartbreaking decision: uphold the traditions that define her community or forge a path that could estrange her forever.
Who directed Tree?
The short film was directed by Lauren Jackson, a filmmaker known for her sensitive handling of cultural and personal narratives.
Who stars in Tree?
The cast features Mile Fane as Alisi, Isaac Ah Kiong as Mikaele, and Michael Koloi among other key performers.
Is Tree (2019) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *Tree* is a compelling watch for its emotional depth and cultural relevance. Its 16-minute runtime packs a punch, blending drama with moments of raw authenticity that linger long after the credits roll. Ideal for fans of character-driven storytelling.
How long is Tree?
The film runs for 16 minutes.
About Tree (2019) — A 16-Minute Short Film of Cultural Conflict and Personal Choice
Directed by Lauren Jackson, *Tree (2019)* is a poignant short film packed with emotional weight and cultural tension. At its heart, it follows 17-year-old Alisi, who seeks refuge in the branches of a towering tree after a personal revelation threatens to unravel her conservative Pasifika family's expectations. As night descends, the once-safe branches become a gilded cage, forcing Alisi to confront the consequences of secrets shared on social media. With her best friend Mikaele at the center of the storm, the film explores themes of shame, tradition, and the struggle for autonomy in a community where family ties run deep but personal choices can feel suffocating.
Set against the vivid backdrop of Samoa's lush landscapes, *Tree* captures the electrifying clash between cultural duty and individual desire. Jackson's direction crafts an atmosphere of suspense and intimacy, where every rustling leaf and distant voice echoes Alisi's internal battle. The film's brevity belies its depth, leaving viewers to ponder the weight of tradition and the fragile boundaries between privacy and public judgment.