Check out the latest and best Māori and Pasifika short films as selected for NZIFF by Leo Koziol, Director of the Wairoa Māori Film Festival, and Craig Fasi, Director of the Pollywood Film Festival.
Screened as part of NZIFF 2017
Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts 2017
| Aug 12 | |
A collection of Māori and Pasifika short films curated by Leo Koziol (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rakaipaaka), Director of the Wairoa Māori Film Festival, with guest co-curator Craig Fasi (Niue), Director of the Pollywood Film Festival.
“Māori and Pasifika filmmakers talent shines - both on screen and behind the camera - in this diverse collection of short films. Ngā Whanaunga once again is an expression of the diversity and connectedness of Polynesian peoples.” — Leo Koziol and Craig Fasi.
Curators’ comments on each film appear in italics.
Mannahatta 2017
An ancient spirit tries to send a message to a recent immigrant in the city that never sleeps. Stones are the symbol of burden – a burden that needs an open heart to carry and put to rest. — CF
Natalie 2016
A Māori girl receives a precious waiata composed by her deceased grandfather. In this story from Hokianga, tragedy strikes but there is hope in a new beginning. — CF
Tama 2017
A deaf Māori boy feels isolated from his family but draws strength from performing the haka. Having reminders of what is important is a necessity. Forgetting what’s important may cost you your life. — CF
Lady Eva 2017
A young trans woman becomes her true self. Being fakaleiti in Tonga is a challenge – but there’s a beauty pageant where your star can shine no matter who you are. — LK
Sunday Fun Day 2016
A teenager and a solo mum prepare to have their own fun on a Sunday. Tiger knows exactly how the world looks at her, but still fights to be accepted by her peers. Acceptance in this case is to be left alone without question. — CF
Tree 2017
A young woman with a shameful secret hides out from friends and family in a massive tree. A lonely tree in a crowded city becomes the symbol for a young Tongan woman’s personal journey, and a family that loves her no matter what. — LK
Possum 2016
Two brothers hatch a plan to head into the woods and hunt for a notorious possum named Scar. Step back to the 70s in this fantastical Ōtaki-filmed story of two Māori boys growing up in the wild world of Wairoa. — LK