Gisborne Herald, 31 May 2008
Wairoa, Maori films in focus
Saturday, 31 May 2008
By Sophie Rishworth
THE 2008 Wairoa Maori Film Festival celebrates the past, present and future of indigenous film-making in New Zealand.
This year’s festival pays special tribute to Maori film-makers Don Selwyn, Witarina Harris and Barry Barclay, who all died in the past 18 months
But it is also a time for newcomers to show what they have achieved.
Young Maori film-maker Garth Watene has attended the Wairoa Maori Film Festival every year since its inception three years ago — but this year is the first time he has a film in it.
“It’s awesome, I just love telling stories, especially Maori ones,” he said.
“If you have a story idea it’s good to get it out there and see what people think.”
Watene’s film, Rua, debuts this weekend as part of the Maori Short Film Showcase I.
The 13-minute film is about a young boy whose mother has died and as he looks for answers he finds them in his Maori cultural identity.
“The stories told on maraes in the old days are being put on to film and TV. It lets everybody listen to them, not just Maori,” he said.
Mr Watene, 34, attends Waikato University and is part way through his Maori media and communications degree.
He funded Rua himself, but will apply for funding for his next feature — an extended version of the short film, which he will start in January.
“It’s good to have Maori film-makers get together, share ideas and promote Maori film-makers.” The Gaiety Theatre has screenings today, tomorrow and Sunday that start at 11.30am, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.
A special 8pm screening of super natural thriller, The Tattooist, directed by Peter Burger, will be held at the Gaiety tonight. The film delves into the spiritual side of tattooing and includes graphic images of the ancient art in progress.
Taihoa Marae Tahi has three showings at 11am, 1pm and 3pm over the weekend and Taihoa Marae Cinema’s Rua screenings are 11.15am, 1.15pm and 3.15pm.
The Wairoa War Memorial Hall is holding the Wairoa Maori Film Festival Awards Dinner and Maori Musical evening from 7 tonight.
