Documentary · United States of America · 2019 · 25m

Gangsters in Paradise: The Deportees of Tonga

Director

Cast

'Ila Mo'unga as American Deportee Sione Moli as New Zealand Deportee Sione Ngaue as American Deportee Talia'uli Prescott as New Zealand Deportee Sione Falemanu as Former Tongan Prison Commissioner

Crew

Todd Henry — Director of Photography Josh Yong — Editor Ursula Grace Williams — Producer

Tagline

"It ain't a place to live when you're barely making ends meet. It's like crabs being stuck in a bucket, scratching, trying to get out."

Synopsis

Tonga is now home to hundreds of deportees — permanent residents of New Zealand, Australia or the United States who committed serious crimes and did jailtime, then were put on a plane to start a new life in an unfamiliar culture. The lucky ones have family land, or a place to stay. But many start from scratch and without institutional support, old bad habits can kick in.

Mood & Themes

deportation criminal justice

Key Collaborators

Ursula Grace Williams Director Todd Henry Director Todd Henry Director of Photography Josh Yong Editor Ursula Grace Williams Producer

Follow the Thread

Ursula Grace Williams directed Gangsters in Paradise: The Deportees of Tonga. Explore their complete filmography and the collaborators who shaped their vision.

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