While Matariki ushers the sun to its dawn rising, Māhutonga – the Southern Cross, stands sentinel in the evening sky, shining the way to our storytellers from Aotearoa, both narrative and documentary, including three short film programmes.
Festival Programme
Films — by Strand
Māhutonga
Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara
Even if you’re not a fan of heavy metal, you can’t help but admire Alien Weaponry. If not for their rise to fame on an international scale, then for being the first band of the genre to sing in te reo Māori.
A Mistake
On the eve of a move towards greater public health data reporting, a medical error throws life into a spin for a respected surgeon and her surgical team; the downward spiral threatening all in her orbit.
Never Look Away
Lucy Lawless makes her directorial debut with a raucous documentary exploring the life of another warrior princess – fierce and fearless Kiwi war video journalist Margaret Moth.
New Zealand's Best 2024
The year’s best New Zealand short films as chosen by guest selector, Gerard Johnstone.
Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts 2024
Support these Māori and Pasifika films and vote for your favourites at screenings all across the motu.