Cinema Politica presents six Māori-Made classics, exclusively released in Canada through a partnership with the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC).

“How can we take that maverick yet fond friend of ours—the camera—into the Māori community and be confident it will act with dignity?” - Barry Barclay, "Our Own Image", 1990.

Aotearoa, or what is also known as New Zealand, has enjoyed ample screen time in Hollywood and mainstream cinema, but this powerful collection showcases an image of the place from and by its people.

Director and Māori intellectual Barry Barclay's stunning first film NGĀTI is part of this collection, grappling with colonialism, identity, love, trauma, history and the future. It is a celebration of Māori pride and heritage. Critically acclaimed director Taika Waititi is featured with his war film, TAMA TŪ, and short comedy TWO CARS, ONE NIGHT.

Waititi's light-hearted tale pairs well with some of the collection's dramatic features, like Merata Mita's MAURI, which is the first of its kind directed by a Māori woman. Much like Abenaki documentary-maker Alanis Obamsowin, the strength of Merata Mita's storytelling has left an indelible imprint on global Indigenous cinema.

PLEASE NOTE that this program is for private home-viewing only. For groups and institutions: Cinema Politica is the Canadian distributor of The Māori-Made Collection. Please contact [email protected] to book a screening.

All proceeds generated from the streaming of this video are split between the artists/rights holder and Cinema Politica. To find out more visit cinemapolitica.org.