MEET OUR
STORYTELLERS
Our Creative Team, also known as Storytellers, is the heart of our production company, overseeing production, design, and marketing with a deep commitment to cultural authenticity. From concept to execution, we craft visually compelling narratives that honor and amplify the cultural essence of every project, ensuring our storytelling remains both powerful and true to its roots.
TALIA TO’OMALATAI-THOMPSON
Talia To‘omalatai-Thompson is a Samoan and Native Hawaiian filmmaker, director, producer, and founder from La‘ie, Hawai‘i. A former NCAA student-athlete with a deep-rooted passion for sports, she views storytelling as her true heritage. In 2018, she launched her first major film project, Pacific Roots: Our Football Legacy, featuring 4x Super Bowl Champion Jesse Sapolu, a story that intertwines faith, family, culture, immigration, education, and history—all through the lens of football. This project laid the foundation for her mission: amplifying Pacific Islander voices through media. She later founded Tusitala Productions LLC, a company dedicated to crafting culture-centric stories through sports, ensuring that Pacific Islander narratives take their rightful place in mainstream media as the movement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion continues to find its way forward.
FOUNDER
CHRIS PETROSIE
Chris Petrosie, an Italian-American Director of Photography and Producer from Hollywood, Florida, earned a degree in Communications and Media Technologies from the Academy of Art University, where he was also a standout baseball player and named ‘Producer of the Year.’ In 2018, he became the Director of Photography for Pacific Roots: Our Football Legacy, showcasing his talent for sports storytelling. With expertise in post-production and set design, he has worked with industry leaders like Disney Streaming, MLB Network, and PAC-12 Network, solidifying his reputation as a versatile professional.
CHIEF PRODUCTION OFFICER
SAFUA ELISAIA-INMAN
Safua Elisaia-Inman, a Samoan designer and artist, developed a lifelong passion for sports as the daughter of a long-time Division I coach and former NCAA athlete. After earning her degree in Graphic Design, she sought ways to merge her expertise in visual storytelling with her love for her culture and sports. With her years of experience in the industry, Safua joined Tusitala Productions in the fall of 2024 as Chief Creative Officer. In this role, she channels her creative talents and passions to elevate and empower other Pasifika people.
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER
ALAI OTUAFI
Alaimele Otuafi is a Tongan and Samoan creative professional dedicated to amplifying Polynesian voices through digital media. As the Creative Coordinator for Tusitala Productions, she manages the company’s social media presence, ensuring its projects and mission reach Pasifika audiences and communities alike. With a background from Brigham Young University, Alaimele merges strategy and storytelling to strengthen community connections and preserve cultural narratives.
CREATIVE COORDINATOR
george ngatuvai
George Ngatuvai, a Tongan-American photographer based in Provo, Utah, began his journey in 2017, inspired by his late father’s passion for genealogy and documentation. By 2018, he found his niche in fashion, sports, and Polynesian culture, using photography to amplify untapped stories. In 2022, he joined Pacific Roots: Our Football Legacy as a behind-the-scenes photographer for Tusitala Productions, capturing candid moments that bring the film to life. Committed to celebrating Pasifika narratives, George continues to inspire and elevate his community through his lens.
photographer
penny fuimaono
Penny Fuimaono, a Samoan-American photographer from La’ie, Hawai’i, discovered her passion for photography in third grade. Self-taught, she began in fashion and beauty but later shifted to film and behind-the-scenes storytelling. After seven years in the industry, she found her true calling in 2022 when she joined Tusitala Productions as a Film Stills Photographer for Pacific Roots: Our Football Legacy, capturing behind-the-scenes moments that bring the story to life.
photographer
derek gomez
Derek Gomez, a Samoan-American drone operator and cinematographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, began his journey in photography through his passion for surf photography. Capturing the power and movement of the ocean inspired him to explore new creative perspectives, leading him to specialize in aerial and drone cinematography. In December 2021, he joined Pacific Roots: Our Football Legacy as a drone operator and cinematographer for Tusitala Productions, bringing his expertise in dynamic visuals and immersive storytelling. Committed to pushing creative boundaries, Derek continues to elevate his craft, capturing breathtaking moments from above.
drone operator & cinematogRAPHER
aisa to’omalatai
Aisa To’omalatai is a rising Samoan creative and student at the University of Utah, carving his path in the media and production industry. Beginning as an intern, Aisa’s dedication and talent quickly elevated him to the role of Junior Production Assistant, where he specializes in video editing, capturing the essence of music and live events. His journey includes joining the production team for Pacific Roots: Our Football Legacy and stepping onto the professional sports stage as a production assistant at the 2022 Raiders vs. Patriots game—his first major gig. Recently, he took on the role of cinematographer during the National Rugby League (NRL) games in Las Vegas, further solidifying his experience in sports media. Young and ambitious, Aisa continues to grow, honing his craft and making his mark in the industry.