Hibiscus & Ruthless

Hibiscus (Suivai Pilisipi Autagavaia, from short film Manurewa) and the take no nonsense Ruth (Anna-Maree Thomas) have been friends since school. But now Hibiscus is in her final year of university, and her domineering mother doesn't want any boyfriends getting in the way; so Hibiscus enlists Ruth's help, to handle the temptations of a line of potential suitors.

Directed by Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa, Hibiscus & Ruthless leans on a strong ensemble — Suivai Pilisipi Autagavaia, Haanz Fa'avae-Jackson, Yvonne Maea-Brown — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2018.