Director Tearepa Kahi interrogates the "terror" raids, when armed police descended on Ruatoki invoking anti-terrorism laws in a manhunt for Tuhoe activist Tame Iti. Caught in the middle of the maelstrom is a community police sergeant, played by Cliff Curtis, newly returned to the area to look after his ailing father.
A documentary about abuse in state care in Aotearoa, focusing on the story of Fa’amoana John Luafutu. It explores intergenerational trauma and how the Government has treated Pasifika and Maori families. An emotional watch.
Insightful documentary into Aotearoa artist Geoff Dixon, now based in Australia, who was born in Bluff and grew up around the South Island. His work often features Southland takahe and probes questions surrounding environmental degradation, species loss and the climate crisis.
PUNCH
Oscar-nominated actor Tim Roth and young New Zealand cast make this film one to watch out for. It follows high school boxing protege Jim as he tries to win a boxing match to help his dying father. He comes to realise his queerness throughout the film, as he becomes more entangled with outcast takatapui Maori schoolmate, Whetu.
A collaboration between Indigenous filmmakers from Australia and Aotearoa, looking at colonisation and its enduring effects on indigenous peoples.
WHEN THE COWS COME HOME
One man’s journey to find peace and his relationship with the cows he raises for slaughter. Serves as an interesting discussion on mental health, masculinity, farming, veganism and rural life.
This film completes the Waru (2017) and Vai (2019) trilogy, and involves a series of vignettes directed by Asian women directors in New Zealand. The film focuses on one house and the different people, mostly migrants from parts of Asia, who are trying to make Aotearoa home. A film that tackles racism and the complexities of migration and cultural difference.
