The Queen's Influence - The Vanishing Culture of Hiko in Tonga

‘The Queen’s Influence -

The Vanishing Culture of Hiko in Tonga’

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Now Available on

PRIME, Tubi and PBS/Hawaii

MULTI-AWARD Winning Documentary!

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‘The Queen’s Influence’ is the story of a vanishing matriarchal culture of Polynesian women jugglers in the Kingdom of Tonga. Through their stories they share the history and culture of Hiko with insight into Queen Salote’s influence on cultural dance and women’s empowerment.

Documentary filmmaker Paprika Leaverton, also a professional juggler, explores how this world of juggling (Hiko) opened doors for her to share this unique culture where only women juggle.

The purpose of this film is to Keep Hiko Alive!

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‘The Queen’s Influence’ documents the stories of these amazing women of Tonga framed within the stories and culture of Hiko that is passed from Mother to Daughter since Tongan history began.

Available on Prime Tubi PBS Hawaii

Hiko is performed only by girls and women and involves throwing small nuts in the air...sometimes at world-record status.

The roots of the tradition date from tribal times, and have been adapted into the modern Tongan world through the Queen Salote College.

The culture of dance was preserved by Queen Salote of Tonga and was an inspiration of the Hiko Cultural Dance.

Hiko empowers the girls and women and uplifts spirits and create amazing happiness.

Let’s Keep Hiko Alive!

Watch the trailer (2 min)

Multi-Award Winning Film including an Audience Award/Best of the fest for 6 years at the Golden Gate Int’l Film Fest.

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