Samoan choreographers behind Michael Jackson biopic proud of Pacific roots
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The lead choreographers for the new Michael Jackson biopic say it's an honor to represent the Pacific as the film smashes box office records worldwide.


![All five fautasi crews invited to represent American Samoa in Samoa’s Independence Fautasi Race next month have confirmed they will not be making the trip. Seen here are the captains of the 13 fautasi that competed in the 2026 Flag Day Fautasi Race when they met with the organizing committee to review race rules and finalize lane assignments. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] Captains of the 13 fautasi that competed](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_5385_0.jpg?itok=cODA-Ne7)
![Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula (center), ASTCA CEO Folasaitu Sorepa Thomas (third from left), Major General Joaquin F. Malavet (third from right), members of the visiting AP Telecom delegation, and Dave Haleck (far right) following the welcoming ‘ava ceremony at Maota o Siliaga in Aoloau on Tuesday. [courtesy photo] GOVERNOR AND OTHERS](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/ap_telecom2.jpg?itok=23YRKrCk)






![“Congratulations to Johnson Ailima for doing a great job first with his win in American Samoa, then representing our islands in the nationwide competition in D.C.,” said Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata. The competition was held in the nation’s capital this week. Ailima, a senior at Fa'asao Marist High School, is American Samoa’s Poetry Out Loud champion, and represented the territory in Washington, D.C., where he participated in a full slate of related activities in the Capitol. [courtesy photo] Johnson Ailima with others](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_1836.jpeg?itok=tj47SYX-)