March 16, 2020
Maoriland Film Fest cleans up for Covid


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This Māoriland Film Festival has been reshaped to deal with the impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Festival co-director Tainui Stephens says it's about turning plan B into A-plus.
Overseas filmmakers have been asked to stay away, and a public screening of Frozen was cancelled because it was not a ticketed event.
A ticketed festival means health authorities will be able to track down other festivalgoers if someone comes down with the virus.
There will be no hongi in the pōwhiri, and hand cleaning facilities will be widely available.
Because Maoriland isn't just about films. Part of our kaupapa is about healthy living, food, and we're extending that kaupapa into health – personal hygiene. As a community, keeping an eye on each other. As a community, being respectful of the vulnerability of our kaumatua, being personally responsible when it comes to matters of personal hygiene," he says.
Tainui Stevens says ticket sales have gone up because the Otaki and Kapiti community is getting the message and understands their safety is being considered.
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