Teaser 1 - Isaiah
Reformed ex-inmate Isaiah shares how he overcame a troubled upbringing, stigma and shame.
Fijivillage Special Documentary Series
Forget Me Not
Shining a light on men’s mental health issues in Fiji through stories of strength and healing.
A series built around real men, lived experience, difficult truths and the hope that honest stories can help break stigma and open the door to healing.
Vulnerability with added strength.
Series Overview
A documentary series grounded in lived experience
Forget Me Not follows six Fijian men from different walks of life as they speak about childhood, trauma, addiction, grief, identity and the path toward strength and recovery.
Led by Communications Fiji Limited and directed by Immanuel Raju of Magic Factory, the series explores the realities and complexities of men’s mental health in Fiji through six deeply personal stories.
The participants range from church and community leaders to a dancer, counsellor, content producer and construction worker. Each story is different, but they share common threads: the impact of childhood, struggles with mental health and addiction, and the search for healing.
The aim is simple but important: help break the stigma around men’s mental health and encourage more inclusive support for Fijian men and their families.
“There is a strong stigma for men seeking help, they still have the macho man idea and there are lots of internalised issues that impact their families and the community.”
Joseph Snodgrass, President Fiji Counselling Association
Joseph Snodgrass, President Fiji Counselling Association
At a glance
- 6-part documentary series
- Each episode runs approximately 7 minutes
- Focuses on men’s mental health in Fiji
- Stories of trauma, resilience, addiction, identity and recovery
- Made to encourage conversation, reduce stigma and strengthen support
“If you want to change Fiji, change the men.”
Reverend Simione Tugi
Reverend Simione Tugi
Context
Why this series matters
Mental health services, infrastructure and public understanding remain limited in Fiji, while stigma continues to stop many men from seeking help.
The wider issue
The project highlights a difficult reality. Men’s mental health is often overlooked, and access to support can be uneven. Geography is part of the problem, with key services concentrated in Suva and far from many communities and outer islands.
Historical trauma also matters. The brief notes that coups and military service have contributed to PTSD, family violence and intergenerational trauma. The methamphetamine crisis has added another layer, fuelling crime, violence, family breakdown and serious health harm.
What the series shows
- Men from different backgrounds speaking honestly about pain and recovery
- The effect of childhood trauma and family breakdown
- The pressure of stigma and silence
- The value of support, accountability and community
- Positive examples of men taking responsibility and helping others
Watch
Promotional videos
Teaser 2 - Ben
Ben shares how peer pressure led him into drugs, but says positive influence can help young men turn their lives around.
The Voices
Men sharing stories of struggle and healing
Each participant brings a different perspective, but all speak to pain, resilience and the possibility of recovery.
Joseph Snodgrass
President, Fiji Counsellors Association
A survivor of child sexual abuse, Joseph shares the devastating impact of childhood trauma and how he now uses his voice to encourage others to seek help.
Ben Morrison
Founder, Inspire Pacific
Ben speaks about how peer pressure led him into drug use, and how positive peer pressure can also help troubled young men choose a different path.
Jason Adrian
Youth deacon and dancer
Jason uses dance to express his struggle with mental health, sharing how mixed-race identity, grief and asking for help shaped his recovery.
Immanuel Raju
Director and content producer
After hearing the men’s stories, Immanuel was inspired to speak about his own experience of child sexual abuse and his recovery journey.
Isaiah Holmes
Construction worker
A reformed former inmate, Isaiah talks about growing up in a broken home, carrying stigma and learning to ignore the shame others tried to place on him.
Reverend Simione Tugi
Church leader and advocate
Simione shares the challenge of supporting his daughter’s recovery from drug addiction and why families need support too. We salute Reverend Simione Tugi for his tireless advocacy against drugs in Fiji. He passed away in January 2026. May his work and legacy live on.
Support
Need help or know someone who does?
Support information block
If this series raises difficult feelings for you or someone you know, please seek support from a trusted health professional, counsellor, community leader or relevant support service.
Press
Media resources
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Project summary
Forget Me Not is a 6 x 7 minute documentary series led by Communications Fiji Limited and directed by Immanuel Raju of Magic Factory, focusing on men’s mental health challenges and journeys to healing in Fiji.
Presented by: Fijivillage / CFL
Series format: 6 short episodes
