For Māori, the canoe underpins our culture. “ If it wasn’t for the waka we wouldn’t be here today and that’s the long and short of it” (Hek Busby)

We once built waka/canoes from giant trees and sailed the vast Pacific by the stars.  These arts were lost to us for 600 years. Then the stars re-aligned and three men from far flung islands met by chance to revive our place as the greatest navigators on the planet, a Hawaiian, a Micronesian and Hek Busby, “The Chief” from Aotearoa/New Zealand. 

Directors: Toby Mills (Māori), Aileen O'Sullivan
Writers: Toby Mills (Māori), Aileen O'Sullivan
Producers: Aileen O’Sullivan, Toby Mills (Māori)
Language: English & Māori
Aotearoa | 2021 | 93 mins

PREVIEW SHORT FILM: 

E Lele Le Toloa
Director: Selu-Kian Faletoese (Samoan)

New Zealand | 2021 | 7 mins 40 sec  
E Lele Le Toloa is a visual Talanoa and exploration of faasinomaga (identity). At the centre is Tui Meki, a son of the Pacific, on a journey of self-discovery and finding his grounding in spaces that he moves through. We follow Meki, as he recounts the experiences that have helped shape and reveal to himself who he is as an individual.

NOTE: This film is available in the BIRRARANGGA Film Festival 3-pass and 5-pass ticket packages.