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Robbie Magasiva Returns to Paradise for Samoan Resort’s Gala

Robbie Magasiva Returns to Paradise for Samoan Resort’s Gala Weekend

Alice Parminter for MediaPA

High-profile actor ROBBIE MAGASIVA is heading to Samoa for the Return to Paradise Resort’s nostalgic Hollywood weekend this May.

The Samoan actor will be attending the special re-digitalised screening of the iconic movie Return to Paradise, which was filmed in Lefaga, Samoa in 1953. The picture, starring Gary Cooper and Roberta Haynes, was filmed on the beach where the resort is located.

Samoa holds a special place in Magasiva’s heart. Born in New Zealand, his family moved briefly back to Samoa when he was five years old. He remembers the strong sense of family he felt there. “In my mind we were well off,” he says, recalling how his parents rebuilt their lives to bring them up on the island. “I appreciate how simple it was back there,” he added; “[and] the environment our parents had created for us.”

Today, he speaks of the island with warmth. He recalls returning to Samoa some fifteen years after they left. “I was overcome with emotion as the plane was about to land,” he says. “There’s always that part of me that thinks like that because it’s home.”

The Return to Paradise film has played a special part in Magasiva’s life too. In 2007 he starred in a new play called My Name Is Gary Cooper. The play was written by Samoan playwright Victor Rodgers, and was inspired by the 1953 film. “It’s an important part of me as an actor,” say the former Shortland Street star.

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Robbie Magasiva is looking forward to attending the gala weekend and spending time at the resort. “To be a part of the Return to Paradise Resort … is special to me.” Magasiva will be joined at the gala event by Roberta Haynes, along with the six surviving actors who had speaking parts in the film.

Tickets for the May 15th to 17th gala weekend are available now. The resort is also offering special accommodation packages. For more information contact the resort at gm@returntoparadiseresort.com or phone (+685) 35055 (Samoa).


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