Rivaldo Pawawi, a 27-year-old Kanak, is making his film debut in Jérémie Sein’s comedy “L’esprit Coubertin” alongside Emmanuelle Bercot and Benjamin Voisin. The film, which was released on May 8, follows the story of a leisurely swimmer from Vanuatu who participates in the Olympics and encounters a struggling French team. Rivaldo, who arrived in France in 2016 to study anthropology in Lyon, is eager to bring Kanak culture to a wider audience through his role in the film.
Rivaldo is deeply connected to the current events in New Caledonia, such as the block protests by the independence and loyalist factions regarding electoral reform, political discussions about the territory’s future, economic crisis, and concerns about a return to violence four decades after the events in 1984. The constitutional bill on electoral reform is set to be reviewed by the laws committee of the National Assembly on May 7. Rivaldo expresses his worries about the uncertainty surrounding the future of his homeland and the fragility of past political agreements.
Raised in a Protestant family in Lifou and with strong ties to the Calédonienne Union and the Front de libération nationale kanak et socialiste (FLNKS), Rivaldo reflects on his family’s history of involvement in the struggle for Kanak rights. His upbringing instilled in him values of peace, understanding, and humility, emphasizing the importance of remaining humble despite one’s potential for greatness. Rivaldo’s grandfather, Léopold Hnacipan, played a significant role in shaping his worldview, teaching him the importance of compassion and discretion.
On May 5, the Kanak community in New Caledonia honored the nineteen individuals who lost their lives in a tragic event in 1988 along with two soldiers. In Montpellier, where Rivaldo resides among other Kanak students, an event organized by the association La case calédonienne sought to shed light on the legacy of the events through a discussion about the documentary “Notre guerre” by Emmanuel Desbouiges and Dorothée Tromparent. The film explores the impact of the events on the children of those involved, highlighting the ongoing significance of these historical events.
As he navigates his budding acting career and grapples with the complexities of his heritage, Rivaldo remains committed to sharing his culture with a wider audience in a way that is accessible and non-violent. Through his role in “L’esprit Coubertin,” he hopes to foster greater understanding and appreciation for Kanak traditions and perspectives, while also drawing attention to the challenges faced by his community in New Caledonia. Rivaldo’s journey as an actor reflects his personal journey of self-discovery and reconciliation with his past, inspiring others to embrace their roots and forge a path towards a more inclusive and harmonious future.
