RANGATIRA: MERATA MITA - MAKING WAVES

“A documentary about pioneering Māori filmmaker Merata Mita whose career has spanned 20 years and whose films represent a unique account of New Zealand social and political history.” New Zealand Listener

Opening titles; Leonie Pihama, university lecturer; Syd Jackson, Māori Workers’ Union; Annie Collins, editor; Merata Mita, on making of ‘Patu’ (about the anti Springbok tour campaign in 1981); Jonathan Dennis; Eruera Tuhura Mita, Merata’s son (on repercussions of making Patu); Awatea Tuhura Mita, Merata’s daughter; Rafer Rautjoki, Merata’s son; Arihia Bristowe, tutor Whitireia Polytechnic.

Maketū - Ross and Maria Hoani, schoolfriends; Elaine Tapsell, school friend; Levuka and Robyn Corbett, schoolfriends; Father Tate, priest.

Loretta Todd, Cree/Metis filmmaker (Canada); Tuti Baker, Hawai’i filmmaker; Mahina Rapu, Ariki / Rapanui; Puhipau, Hawai’i filmmaker; Geoff Murphy, filmmaker; Pita Tūrei, filmmaker; Joe and Renee Hawke ; Ella Henry, university lecturer.

Saana Murray, social activist; Ray Waru, producer.

Jonathan Dennis; Geoff Murphy.