The Tongan premiere of the Healer and the Psychiatrist was broadcast live on Tongan TV on the 19th of December 2020. It was followed by a pre-recorded talanoa on the film involving Dr Leo Hoponoa, Sia Uhila Angilau and Virginie Dourlet. The talanoa was in Tongan, with a few sections in English when Virginie Dourlet contributed.

Sia Uhila Angilau summarised some of the issues covered in the talanoa:

• We need to find the balance between our scientific & traditional healers as both can help our people. As an indigenous Psychiatrist Dr Puloka also celebrates values in common with traditional healers.

• In the care of patients  with mental illness it is important to focus on them as people and not dwell on their problems.

• The strength it takes for a healer to do his or her job. Despite Emeline’s devastating loss of her husband and youngest daughter she still found strength to help others. 

• No healthcare system is perfect.  In Tonga we can find ways to help our people which may be different to other countries. 

• The considerable stigma around mental health requires professionals who can continue Dr Puloka’s responsibility.

We drew examples from the film throughout the discussion and ended by acknowledging the work and people behind the film and how it highlights issues we could address to cater for the health of our people. (Sia Uhila Angilau 2020)