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The fifth Maoriland Film Festival is on at Otaki, bringing together the best of Maori and indigenous filmmaking and filmmakers.
Founder Tainui Stephens says it’s getting a life of its own, including the popular film slam where indigenous filmmakers from around the work are teamed up and set the task of producing a short film in 48 hours.
A highlight this year is a screening of Waru, in which Maori women directors give their take on a story of abuse.
It has done well on the international festival circuit, and it is long overdue that the voice of Maori women directors is heard.
"Waru does it and achieves it with absolute style. And of course as we all know thanks to hashtag me too and thanks to all that is happening around the world with regard to awareness of the way we treat some of the more vulnerable in our families. Sadly it seems to me a lesson we can't get enough of. Waru makes brave new steps in that direction," Mr Stephens says.
Other highlights include two Sami Films:The Last King, an action film set in Norway in the 13th century: and Kaisa’s Enchanted Forest about the Finnish Sami experience.
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