Our premium collection of Māori and Pasifika short films from the gifted storytellers of Moana-nui-a-kiwa.
Screened as part of NZIFF 2021
Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts 2021
Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts 2021 is now available to view online until Sunday 5 December. Click here to rent. ($11 for 7 day rental. Once you press play, the watch window begins and you have 48 hours to watch the film)
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.
Ngā Whanaunga is a competitive section of the Festival with the films in this collection eligible for the Wellington UNESCO City of Film Award for Best Film ($3000 cash prize) as judged by a jury. Audience members at the Wellington and Christchurch screenings will vote for the winner of the Letterboxd Audience Award, a cash prize of $1000.
Curator comments on each film appear in italics.
Films are listed in the order that they will screen.
Disrupt 2021
When a burglary goes wrong, CJ must choose between his whānau and his next fix. “A whānau bond can't be broken apart, even if the trespasses made skew to forsaking not forgiving.” — LK
Sista 2020
Isabelle feels left behind as her teenaged older sister Tiana grows up leading to a moment of betrayal that threatens to shatter their relationship forever. “The unmistaken angst of running before learning to walk. A common and unfortunately incurable dilemma of many uninhibited, invincible youth of all generations. Learning fast is essential.” — CF
fire in the water, fire in the sky 2021
Sisters Tia and Ina are far from home. Tia is focused on her work, while the free-spirited Ina just wants to dance. "The film traps you with curiosity to potentially discover the elusive existence of a better life. The sacrifice is real however the resolve is not guaranteed." — CF
Disconnected 2021
Hip hop producer Chance hides away from his friends while secretly grieving a massive loss. “Emotional wounds bleed with no warning and seemingly no medical aid to assist with the spiritual healing required - however, bad can be accompanied by good.” — CF
True Love 2021
James and Bella are in love, but Bella has a secret which could change their lives. “True love is tested in this engrossing tale saturated with East Coast light and modern romance angst.” — LK