Stars abound at Maori film fest

The cream of indigenous film talent was represented at the inaugural Maori Film Festival in Wairoa over Queen's Birthday Weekend.

Ramai Hayward, the first NZ woman film-maker who worked in every aspect of the industry with the her late husband, the legendary Rudall Hayward, paved the way for other Maori film makers.

Still showing star-quality, the nonagenarian led the manuhiri (guests) behind Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia at the powhiri at Takitimu Marae.

Mrs Hayward was later presented with a lifetime achievement award at the Gaiety Theatre.

Hundreds of people, including national and international indigenous film-makers, producers and directors, attended the festival.

The opening gala started with the emotionally charged short films by Cameron Duncan, who died of cancer two years ago.

Presenting the films, his mother Sharon said the one thing Cameron hoped to achieve was that he would "never be forgotten" - and he had succeeded.

The NZ premiere of the comedy Tama Tu proved popular. A classic black and white movie from the early 1950s, Broken Barrier, attracted many locals as most of the Mahia whanau featured in the movie.

The international award-winning short film Two Cars One Night was screened as well. Taika Waititi's short film also took out the Maori Film Festival's best dramatic short film (Aotearoa) award on Saturday at the cabaret "Maori Oscars" evening.

Runners-up were Kerosene Creek and Tama Tu.

The festival's overall prize winner was Pear Ta Ma 'On Maf, The Land Has Eyes, based on a legend from the Fijian island of Rotuma.

Best short documentary (Aotearoa) went to Buy Culturalism. Runners-up were Passion and Conflict, and Turangawaiwai, A Place to Stand.

Best long documentary (Aotearoa) went to Tuhoe, A History of Resistance. Best international indigenous entry went to Te Toa Aniwaniwa.

Whale Rider won the best feature prize.

- NZPA