IMDb 7.5 2018 HD

Leitis in Waiting

Leitis in Waiting

2018
Documentary
72 min NR USA
1 / 10
7.5 IMDB

The story of Joey Mataele and the Tonga Leitis, an intrepid group of transgender women fighting a rising tide of religious fundamentalism and intolerance in the South Pacific…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Dean Hamer / Joe Wilson / Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu
Starring
Joey Joleen Mataele / Eva Baron / Princess Salote Lupepau'u / Pastor Barry Taukolo

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

resilient heartfelt important moving challenging inspiring brave community intolerance powerful honest

Reviews

C
Chloe Davies
Apr 9, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This is a profoundly moving and important documentary. 'Leitis in Waiting' shines a much-needed spotlight on Joey Mataele and the Tonga Leitis as they bravely face down religious fundamentalism and intolerance in their homeland. The direction ensures that…

D
David Miller
Apr 9, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

The documentary 'Leitis in Waiting' presents the compelling narrative of Joey Mataele and the Tonga Leitis' fight against a rising tide of religious conservatism. The film effectively highlights the personal sacrifices and the unwavering solidarity within the community.…

S
Sophia Chen
Apr 9, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

'Leitis in Waiting' is a powerful and necessary piece of cinema that champions the resilience of the Tonga Leitis. Joey Joleen Mataele is an extraordinary presence, leading a community that navigates a landscape increasingly defined by intolerance. The…

M
Marcus Thorne
Apr 9, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This documentary offers a vital perspective on the challenges faced by transgender women in Tonga. 'Leitis in Waiting' centres on Joey Mataele and her community as they confront growing fundamentalism. While the direction is effective in capturing the…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 9, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

In 'Leitis in Waiting,' the struggles of Joey Mataele and the Tonga Leitis against a backdrop of rising religious intolerance in the Pacific Kingdom are brought to the fore with a palpable sense of urgency. The film's direction,…

FAQs

The film depicts the rising tide of religious fundamentalism as a direct threat to the Tonga Leitis, creating an environment of intolerance and prejudice. It showcases how these conservative doctrines challenge their existence and rights within the Kingdom. The narrative likely explores the personal and communal repercussions of such societal shifts, highlighting the courage required to maintain identity and community amidst these pressures.