The New Zealand International Film Festival has announced the Maori and Pasifika short film programme for 2012. Seven shorts have been selected for NZIFF by the Wairoa Maori Film Festival.

“We have titled this collection ‘Nga Whanaunga’ which means relatedness and connectedness between peoples”, says Leo Koziol (Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Rakaipaaka), Director of the Wairoa Maori Film Festival.

“Maori are part of the great Pasifika whanau; our Polynesian peoples journeyed on the same waka (boat) from Hawaiiki, and are related by culture, language and blood and in wairuatanga (soulfulness) across our vast sea Moana-nui-a-kiwa. Screening Maori works alongside Pasifika is symbolic of the whanaungatanga and connectedness of our peoples.” says Koziol.

“As we watched the many shorts submitted to the festival this year it was very clear that Leo would be harvesting a great crop for the first year of our collaboration,” says NZIFF Director Bill Gosden.

“This year Maori and Pasifika subjects drew the attention of Maori, Pasifika and many Pakeha filmmakers too. Leo’s selection, showcasing the former, is a rich and varied one and an excellent contribution to our programme.” says Gosden.

The full programme for Nga Whanaunga Maori Pasifika Shorts 2012 is available online.

Snow in Paradise

NZ 2011. Directors: Justine Simei-Barton, Nikki Si’ulepa Producer: Paul Simei-Barton Screenplay: Nikki Si’ulepa Festivals: Berlin 2012. 8 mins

It’s warm and the sun is shining. Nature provides us with the things we need: crystal clear seawater for the fish, coconut for the land. The islanders live a happy healthy life – until, far away, a fire rises.

Baby Steps

NZ 2012. Director/Screenplay: Mark Ruka (Ngapuhi) Producers: Sheri O’Neill, Fred Renata. 9 mins

A man, a baby, a new path; one little step at a time. When Joe is left in sole charge of his baby son for the very first time, he must leave his past behind and prove he’s ready for fatherhood.

Tatau

NZ 2012. Director/Screenplay: Chantelle Burgoyne Producers: Zanna Gillespie, Graeme Bibby, Chantelle Burgoyne. 15 mins
As Siaki’s vision deteriorates with old age, memories of the painful tattooing ceremony he underwent in his youth haunt him as he yearns to see his tattoo completed before it’s too late.

Whakatiki

NZ 2012. Director: Louise Letch Producer: Melissa Dodds Screenplay: Bernadette Murphy (Te Ati Awa) Festivals: Tribeca 2012. 13 mins

Kiri, a Maori woman painfully aware of her weight, takes a trip with family and friends to the Whakatiki River where she spent many summers as a girl. The place awakens powerful memories.

Nine of Hearts

NZ 2012. Director: Briar Grace-Smith (Ngapuhi, Ngati Wai) Producer: Alexandra Keeble Screenplay: Briar Grace-Smith, Kelly Joseph. 15 mins

Trembling with energy and a kind of hybrid Maori-Pakeha spiritual magic, this film is about the cards Gen, a Pakeha mother, has already been dealt, and the cards she is choosing to play now. Drawn forward by her two high-pitched fairy children, Gen must ultimately confront Nola, her teenage Maori daughter, who has wisdom beyond her years – and fury at her mother to match.

The Dump

NZ 2012. Director/Screenplay: Hamish Bennett (Te Arawa, Ngapuhi, Kai Tahu) Producer: Orlando Stewart. 10 mins

Told through the eyes of 11-year-old Utah, The Dump is a story about a boy discovering there’s more to his dad than just rubbish. Filmed in Tauraroa in Northland.

The Lawnmower Men of Kapu

NZ 2011. Director/Screenplay: Libby Hakaraia (Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Kapumanawawhiti) Producer: Tainui Stephens. 14 mins

Atawhai is a boy on the verge of manhood, and he is counting on his three uncles to help the aunties. But the uncles have a major falling out with each other. Atawhai learns a valuable lesson about family and tradition; and his place in both.

The Festival will begin in Auckland (19 July – August 5) and open simultaneously in Wellington and Dunedin a week later (27 July – August 12), then in Christchurch (9 - 26 August). Further regional dates are being advised on the website as they are confirmed.

Festival programmes will be available online and around town from June 26 in Auckland, and June 29 in Wellington.

Media Release: NZIFF