Completed - ENGLISH, MAORI - Drama, Social issues - 86 minutes
Year of production : 2017 Director(s) : Briar GRACE-SMITH, Ainsley GARDINER, Renae MAIHI, Casey KAA, Awanui SIMICH-PENE, Chelsea COHEN, Katie WOLFE, Paula JONES
8 x 10 minute sequences shot by eight individual female Maori filmmakers combine to form a narrative that weaves around the death of a young boy in a Māori community.Eight female Māori directors worked together to produce this portmanteau film which offers a fascinating insight into Māori culture. The film comprises 8 x 10 minute segments, presented as a continuous shot in real time, unfolding around the funeral of a small boy who died at the hands of his caregiver. Waru means 8 in Māori. The vignettes are all subtly interlinked, each following one of eight female Māori lead characters as they come to terms with Waru’s death and try to find a way forward in their community.Charm, Queen of the Kitchen – Charm learns to accept that she can’t change the world.Anahera – A teacher struggles to keep face, hiding infidelities and guilt over Waru’s death.Mihi – A solo parent learns to listen to her children.Em – A young woman hits rock bottom and realises that the only way is up.Ranui – A kuia relinquishes Iwi pride in order that her mokopuna might find spiritual peace.Kiritapu – A young wahine Māori reporter risks everything to set the story straight.Mere – A teenage girl draws strength from her ancestors to expose her abuser.Titty & Bash – A woman risks life to break the cycle of violence.
Country(ies) : NEW ZEALAND
This list is based on the distributors’ declarations. In the case where you don't agree about one of them, please inform us of the change(s) you request by clicking here.
Toronto - TIFF 2017 Discovery