Indian Cinema as a Cultural Lifeline for the Indo-Fijian Diaspora

Abstract

The historical relationship between India and Fiji is deeply intertwined with the legacy of indentured labour migration during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The descendants of these migrants, known as Indo-Fijians, have preserved a strong cultural identity despite displacement and socio-political challenges. This paper examines the role of Indian cinema as a vital cultural medium that sustains and reinforces Indo-Fijian identity. More than a source of entertainment, Indian films function as repositories of language, traditions, and values, fostering a sense of belonging among diaspora communities. The study also explores the increasing use of Fiji as a film location and its implications for cultural exchange and economic cooperation. It argues that Indian cinema serves as a dynamic transnational bridge, strengthening cultural continuity and bilateral ties between India and Fiji.