In “Songs of a Lost Island,” NFL great Troy Polamalu tells the story of his own upbringing as a poor Samoan kid in Southern California, and his rise to become perhaps the greatest to ever play in his position.
Filled with stunning footage shot over ten years traveling to American Samoa, “Songs of a Lost Island” places Troy’s own story within the backdrop of the island of American Samoa, it’s vibrant cultural heritage, obsession with football, and uncertain future.
Troy Polamalu grew up a poor kid in Southern California, far from the rugged lifestyle of his extended family on Manu’a Island. But the fa’a Samoa is embedded in every fiber of his being. Fierce on the field, but mild-mannered and stoic off the field, Troy embodied his warrior ancestry and their commitment to the village as a player and a family man.
Troy’s own personal story is interwoven with the story of two Samoan high school football players, Fa’alili and Francisco, quarterbacks on opposing teams, as they fight to earn a spot off-island in a major college football program.
Songs of a Lost Island explores the themes of globalization and cultural decay, as the people of American Samoa fight for their place in a modern world while desperately clinging to the vestiges of the Samoan Way, a song that calls the island’s sons and daughters home from every corner of the planet.
Filmmaker Adam Sjoberg has been traveling to American Samoa with Troy and Theodora for ten years, documenting their work on the island, the six or so high school football teams, and the island’s history and culture.
Songs of a Lost Island has been in production since 2018 but contains footage spanning the last decade. The film will be released (COVID permitting) following Troy’s induction into the Pro Hall of Fame in August of 2021.
