Mana Wairoa Film Awards 2011

PRESS RELEASE: MANA WAIROA FILM AWARDS 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday June 4 2011

The organisers of this year’s Wairoa Maori Film Festival Awards are proud to announce the Mana Wairoa Film Awards 2011:

Best Actor – Short Film (Aotearoa Audience Award) 
HARLEN HOANI THOMPSON IN “KORO’S MEDAL” DIRECTED BY JAMES BARR

Best Male Actor – Feature Film (2011 Aotearoa Drama)
RANGIMOANA TAYLOR IN “HOOK LINE AND SINKER” DIRECTED BY ANDREA BOSSHARD & SHANE LOADER

Best Female Actor – Feature Film (2011 Aotearoa Drama)
MABEL WHAREKAWA-BURT IN “MATARIKI” DIRECTED BY MICHAEL BENNETT

Best Short Film (2011 Aotearoa Audience Award) 
“TAKU RAKU E” DIRECTOR KARARAINA RANGIHAU PRODUCER MERATA MITA

Best International Indigenous Entry (2011 Festival)
“LANI’S STORY” DIRECTOR GENEVIEVE GRIEVES (AUSTRALIA)

Best Aotearoa Feature Drama or Documentary (2011 Festival)
“MATARIKI” DIRECTOR MICHAEL BENNETT

Mana Wairoa Festival Prize (Best Overall Entry Festival 2011)
“OCTOBER 15” DIRECTOR KIM WEBBY PRODUCER PIETRA BRETKELLY

For the first time, the Wairoa Maori Film Festival in association with WIFT Women in Film & Television presented the WIFT Mana Wahine Award 2011:

WIFT Mana Wahine Award 2011
KATIE WOLFE

Katie Wolfe (Ngati Tama, Ngati Mutunga, Pakeha) is a film maker, actor and director, having completed two short films (“THIS IS HER” and “REDEMPTION”) and most recently directed her first feature “NIGHTS IN THE GARDEN OF SPAIN” which is screening next month at Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco. The Mana Wahine Award is a new award at the Wairoa festival, and will now be presented annually by WIFT in association with festival organisers.

Frameline Film Festival:
http://www.frameline.org/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=2368&FID=48

The awards ceremony was presented at a packed house at Kahungunu Marae, Nuhaka, Wairoa District, with MC and Karaoke entertainment provided via Te Hamua Nikora (“Homai Te Pakipaki”). Over 40 films were presented at two marae in the Wairoa District over five days.

“KORO’S MEDAL” Director James Barr accepted the Audience Actor Award on behalf of Harlen Hoani Thompson. “KORO’S MEDAL” held its World Premiere at the Wairoa Maori Film Festival, travelling on to the Edinburgh Film Festival next month for its International Premiere.

Local Tuhoe film maker Kararaina Rangihau was present to accept the Audience Award for Best Short Film “TAKU RAKAU E.” The film was made locally in the Wairoa District at Lake Waikaremoana, the first locally made short film presented at the Wairoa Maori Film Festival. “TAKU RAKAU E” was Produced by Merata Mita and has previously played at ImagineNative Toronto and Nepal International Indigenous Film Festival (Kathmandu).

Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon presented the award for International Indigenous Entry. “LANI’S STORY” is the true story of a young woman surviving abuse and addiction. Lani Brennan, the subject of the film, is of both Aboriginal and Maori descent.

Kim Webby was present to receive the Mana Wairoa Festival Prize for “OCTOBER 15.” The film profiles the day, October 15, 2007, that New Zealand Police launched anti-terrorism raids on the people of Tuhoe, in Ruatoki Valley and beyond. The Mana Wairoa Festival Prize recognises the most outstanding entry to the year’s festival and also has a kaupapa of supporting film makers whose work contributes to the advancement of the human rights of indigenous peoples.

The Wairoa Maori Film Festival is a non-political not-for-profit community event presented annually by Te Roopu Whakaata Maori Inc. Parts of the programme are travelling on to screenings in Auckland, Invercargill and Raglan.

AUTHORISED BY TE ROOPU WHAKAATA MAORI WAIROA MAORI FILM FESTIVAL INC.

=== ENDS ===

WAIROA MAORI FILM FESTIVAL
TE TAURIMA WHAKAATA MAORI I TE WAIROA 2011
A CELEBRATION OF MAORI & INDIGENOUS FILM WORLDS IN WAIROA, AOTEAROA NZ
THEME 2011: “MAORI ROMANCE”

Festival Screening Pass is $80
$120 All Inclusive with Marae Accommodation and All Meals
Marae Accommodation is Thursday night to Monday noon
at Kahungunu Marae, Nuhaka

THURSDAY 2ND JUNE 2011: TAIHOA MARAE, WAIROA

3 PM OFFICIAL FESTIVAL POWHIRI
3 PM (Powhiri) & 4 PM (Dinner) Venue: Taihoa Marae, Wairoa
Join us at Taihoa Marae for the Official Festival Powhiri & Welcome Dinner.

Special Presentation:
5 PM TRINITY ROOTS: MUSIC IS CHOICE // Sarah Hunter NZ 2010 70 mins
Sarah Hunter’s music-filled documentary is a sharp and lively memento of the jazz-inflected reggae unit TrinityRoots. (Free Entry) (NB: Unconfirmed at time of printing)

6.15 PM WAIROA MAORI FILM NIGHT
A selection of short films followed by feature film “Tracker” $10 ticket, $5 kids/kaumatua, tonight’s presentation is a community fundraiser for Taihoa Marae Committee.

MEMORIES OF MOKO // Ben Cowper New Zealand 2011 3 mins
Happy memories as Moko the dolphin plays in Gisborne river.

TAKU RAKAU E // Kararaina Rangihau (Tuhoe, Te Arawa) NZ 2010 15 mins Producer Merata Mita
The song Taku Rakau E is said to have been written by the revered Tuhoe composer Mihikitekapua in 1873. This inspiring film captures the strength of Mihikitekapua’s spirit.

THE FIRST STAGE IS DISBELIEF // Nathaniel Hinde New Zealand 2011 8 mins
A young man dying of cancer returns home to break the news to his sister.

THE WINTER BOY // Rachel House New Zaland 2010 8 mins
A mother questions whether her son will shine again. Starring “Rocky” from “Boy.”

EBONY SOCIETY // Tammy Davis New Zealand 2010 15 mins
One night out stealing, two boys learn a lesson. Directed by Tammy Davis (“Munter”).

KORO’S MEDAL // James Barr New Zealand 2011 15 mins Writer Simon Paniora
When Billy loses his grandfather’s precious war medal, getting it back is the least of his worries.

POI E (Remix for “BOY”) // 5 mins
The classic 80s kapa haka breakdancing classic, updated to the 21st Century, Boy-styles.

7.30 PM FEATURE FILM: TRACKER // Ian Sharp UK/New Zealand 2011 102 mins
An ex-Boer war guerrilla in New Zealand is sent out to bring back a Maori accused of killing a British soldier. Starring Temuera Morrison and Ray Winstone in this gripping Kiwi thriller.

FRIDAY 3RD JUNE 2011: KAHUNGUNU MARAE, NUHAKA

9.30 AM NUHAKA MIHI WHAKATAU
Join us at Kahungunu Marae in Nuhaka for the mihi whakatau of our four day film festival.

10 AM WAIROA MAORI FILM HUI
Join us for our hui on the future of native culture and storytelling. Learn how to expose your audiences globally. Skype with film makers in Australia, Hawaii and Sweden. Learn how our stories and narratives can thrive and survive in the global marketplace. Invited guest for the day is esteemed Maori writer Witi Ihimaera, who has had two books made into films, “Whale Rider” and “Nights in the Gardens of Spain.” (TBC)
10.00 am Korero Mo Te Whare Tipuna “Kahungunu”
11.00 am
11.30 am Presentation from NZ Film Commission
Presentation from Te Paepae Ataata Maori Film Fund
12.00 pm Lunch
12.30 pm Stream 1: Introduction to Film Making (Beginners)
12.30 pm Stream 2: Maori Screenwriting Workshop (Experienced)
3.00 pm Afternoon Tea
3.30 pm Workshops Continue
4.30 pm Plenary Discussion

5 pm DINNER ($10 per person)

Special Presentation:
6.00 PM MAORI ROMANCE: NUHAKA ARCHIVAL FILMS (Free Entry)
A selection of archival films about Nuhaka, including scenes from BROKEN BARRIER.

6.15 PM MAORI ROMANCE: TE PO URIURI // Toby Mills NZ 2001 10 mins (Free)
Awatea, a young warrior, is enraged when his lover Te Po, a high-born chief’s daughter, enters an arranged marriage. Retribution is swift and brutal. With Wi Kuki Kaa.

6.30 PM MAORI ROMANCE: KAHU & MAIA // Karen Sidney NZ 58 mins (Free)
Maia (Vanessa Rare) is caught between past and present when Kahu (Cliff Curtis) threatens to come between her and her husband.

Break

7.30 PM NUHAKA MAORI FILM NIGHT
A selection of short films followed by feature film “Matariki” $10 ticket, $5 kids/kaumatua, fundraiser for Kahungunu Marae Committee. See above for full film synopses.

MEMORIES OF MOKO // Ben Cowper New Zealand 2011 3 mins
TAKU RAKAU E // Kararaina Rangihau New Zealand 2010 15 mins
THE FIRST STAGE IS DISBELIEF // Nathaniel Hinde New Zealand 2011 8 mins
THE WINTER BOY // Rachel House New Zaland 2010 8 mins
EBONY SOCIETY // Tammy Davis New Zealand 2010 15 mins
KORO’S MEDAL // James Barr New Zealand 2011 15 mins
POI E // (Remix for “BOY”) 5 mins

Intermission

8.30 PM FEATURE FILM: MATARIKI // Michael Bennett New Zealand 2010 93 mins
Just as the stars of the Pleiades constellation come together to mark the Matariki – the Maori New Year and a time of new beginnings – so too do the five intersecting stories of Michael Bennett’s first feature film merge into a fascinating portrait of a community.

SATURDAY 4TH JUNE 2011: KAHUNGUNU MARAE, NUHAKA

Today’s film screenings are at Kahungunu Marae, Nuhaka, from 9 am to 5.15 p.m. Tickets are either $5 per screening or $10 for a full day pass (Under 5 Free).

9 AM THE VOICE OF THE MAPUCHE
// Pablo Hernandez & Andrea Henriquez Argentina ChIle 2008 113 min
This independent film is the Mapuche vision of the world ..it is the basis to understand their struggle, to hold on to their art and culture, to stop the encroachment of modern multinationals.

11 AM RUSSIAN SNARK // Stephen Sinclair New Zealand 2010 78 mins
Misha a Russian Film-maker sets sail in a lifeboat to NZ to pursue his career but soon realises his new home is no more receptive to his ideas than Russia. Starring Stephanie Tauevihi.

12.30 PM LUNCH ($10 per person)

1.00 PM THE NEW BLACK
Seven new Australian short films presented by Flickerfest (75 mins total):

RALPH // 10 mins Director Deborah Mailman (Maori/Aboriginal)
For ten year old Madeline, it takes more than just dreaming to survive, it takes a friend.

THE FARM // 11 mins Director Romaine Morton
A young girl named Olivia longs to know the people who came before her.

PARTY SHOES // 11 mins Director Michelle Blanchard
When Patsy is confronted by her daughter, she is forced to deal with her own obsession.

JACOB // 12 mins Director Dena Curtis
Gina, a young mother finds herself in a predicament when her husband Max returns home.

NIA’S MELANCHOLY // 11 mins Director SF Tulsa
A young Yalanji girl tragically loses her sister. This is the tale of her descent into melancholy and her journey of redemption.

BURKE BOY // 11 mins Director Adrian Willis
A father and adopted troubled teenage son try to find the right words to say to each other before it’s too late.

AUNTY MAGGIE & THE WOMBA WAKGUN // Director Leah Purcell
Aunty Maggie and Uncle Peter struggle to feed their three nephews. The arrival of some chickens provides a new food source…

2.15 PM BREAK

2.30 PM LANI’S STORY // Genevieve Grieves Australia 2009 51 Mins
A moving and intimate portrait of a young Aboriginal woman’s journey from victim to victor, from a broken and violent relationship to discovering the redemptive power of love

3.30 PM BREAK

3.45 PM THIS IS HER // Katie Wolfe NZ 2008 12 min
One day this angelic child will steal Evie’s husband and ruin her life (Short Film).

4.00 PM NIGHTS IN THE GARDEN OF SPAIN // Katie Wolfe 76 min NZ 2011
Calvin Tuteao plays David, a businessman and father with a secret. Complicating matters is his family’s roots in the Maori culture. Katie Wolfe directs this film with a unique combination of sensitivity and honesty, showing us that it takes great courage to live life on our own terms. Based on the original novel by Witi Ihimaera.

5.15 PM BREAK

7.00 PM KORE / TAHI / TAHI MULTIMEDIA INSTALLATION
Join us at the Awards night reception, be there for the opening of an installation of multimedia film screenings including works by Michelle Lee, Tanu Gago and Anstein Mikkelsen:

THE DANCING VIRGIN // Sami 15 minutes Director Anstein Mikkelsen
This experimental dance film is inspired by an old narrative that names the Northern Light as the souls of dead virgins dancing through the sky.

7.30 PM MANA WAIROA FILM AWARDS & DINNER EVENING
Tickets $40 including musical concert, dinner and drinks.
Maori film awards and Nuhaka musical evening. Join us with our guest film makers and actors from near and far for the Festival Awards Dinner at Kahungunu Marae in Nuhaka.

SUNDAY 5TH JUNE 2011: KAHUNGUNU MARAE, NUHAKA

Today’s screenings are from 11 am to 5 p.m. Tickets are either $5 a screening or $10 day pass.

10.00 AM BRUNCH FOR FILM MAKERS ($10 per person)
Join us for a relaxed brunch with our guest film makers / manuhiri.

11 AM HOKIANGA HARBOUR TANIWHA TALE Ron London Haretuku 2011 20 mins
An animated the story of the formation of Hokianga Harbour. Writer Ross Gregory.

11.20 AM OUR GENERATION // Sinem Saban & Damien Curtis Australia 2010 73 Mins
Hidden from the world’s eyes, Australia’s First Peoples are fighting for freedom. This film is their call to the nation, a fresh unflinching look at unresolved issues, driven by Yolngu of NE Arnhem.

12.20 PM FOR 7 GENERATIONS // Bruce Hart & Carole Hart, USA 2010 73 mins
13 Indigenous Grandmothers, shamans and medicine women from around the world, have been called together to share their sacred wisdom and earth-based healing. Local Rongomaiwahine kuia Pauline Tangiora is an ambassador for the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers group.

2.00 PM DEAD CREEK // Benjamin Southwell Australia 2010 10 mins
To save his Uncle and protect the land from bloody revenge a young suburbanised aboriginal man, must re-imprison a powerful warrior spirit from the dreamtime.

2.15 PM HOOK LINE AND SINKER Andrea Bosshard & Shane Loader NZ 2011 108 Mins
PJ (Rangimoana Taylor) is a truckdriver with pride in his job. His life with partner Ronnie (Carmel McGlone) and her two kids seems to be going well, until his life suddenly unravels.

4 PM HIDING BEHIND THE GREEN SCREEN // Paora Joseph NZ 2011 48 mins
Four young men, addicted to marijuana… a passion for music…. Can they break free?

5 PM DINNER ($10/ticket)

6.30 PM SUNDAY NIGHT DOUBLE FEATURE ($10/Ticket $5/children & kaumatua)

6.30 PM HUGH AND HEKE // Restan Griffiths NZ 2010 87 Mins
Two families go to the beach for their summer holidays. The men draw two lines in sand to separate the families – will these lines be crossed, and Hugh and Heke learn to get along?

7.45 PM BREAK

8.00 PM FEATURE FILM: TRACKER // Ian Sharp UK/New Zealand 2011 102 mins
An ex-Boer war guerrilla in New Zealand is sent out to bring back a Maori accused of killing a British soldier. Starring Temuera Morrison and Ray Winstone in this gripping Kiwi thriller.

MONDAY JUNE 6TH 2011: KAHUNGUNU MARAE, NUHAKA

$5 for Morning Screenings on today’s final day of film screenings.

9 AM PITTAQANGITTUQ // Guilluame Saladin, Felx Pharand, Nicolas Tardif 2010 32 mins
In the arctic community of Pittagangituq (Nunavit), the climate is warming at an alarming rate.

9.30 AM ESCAPELAND // Oren Tirosh Israel 2008 48 mins
A love story that develops against-all-odds between Eshel, a young Israeli woman from a kibbutz and Adel, a Sudanese Muslim, a UN refugee, who is not allowed to enter Israel.

10.30 AM BREAK

10.45 AM HOMEALANI // Ann Marie Nalani Kirk USA/Hawaii 2011 50 mins
Ann Marie Nalani Kirk discovers, through archival film, the story of her grandfather Oliver Homealani Kupua. The story is told through the film he shot in Hawaii 1930s-1960s, through his own writing and by interviews with family members.

11.45 AM MOKHTAR // Halima Ouardiri Canada 2010 16 mins
The tale of a young boy in a remote Moroccan village as he adopts a fallen owl.

12.00 PM KUMARI // Prina Raj Joshi Nepal 2010 8 mins
Kumari is a virgin goddess to protect and define all human beings, worshipped as the source of supreme power by Hindu and Buddhists.

12.10 PM TAKU RAKAU E // Kararaina Rangihau (Tuhoe, Te Arawa) NZ 2010 15 mins
The song Taku Rakau E is said to have been written by the revered Tuhoe composer Mihikitekapua in 1873. This inspiring film captures the strength of Mihikitekapua’s spirit.

12.30 PM CLOSING: FESTIVAL LUNCHEON & POROPOROAKI
A final opportunity for our guests who have travelled near and far, followed by our Poroporoaki and reflections upon the experience that was Wairoa Maori Film Festival 2011.