A traditional two-week mourning period is being observed in the Vanuatu village of Yakel following the death of movie star Mungau Dain earlier this month.
Mr Mungau died in Port Vila on January 5 after developing an infection in a leg wound that wasn't treated.
The Associated Press reports Mr Mungau, in his mid-20s, earned a role in the Oscar-nominated film Tanna, because his elders decided he was the best-looking guy in Yakel.
Tanna co-director Martin Butler said Mr Mungau was enthusiastic, learned quickly, and ended up giving a fabulous performance.
The movie won a number of awards, including two at the Venice Film Festival.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Photo: Supplied Caption: Marie Wawa and Mungau Dain in the film Tanna.