Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen
2018·New Zealand·89 min.
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In the 1970s, Merata Mita broke through barriers of race, class, and gender to become the first Māori woman to write and direct a feature film. Tackling controversial issues of indigenous social justice in both documentaries and fiction, the pioneering activist-filmmaker faced harassment and violence. Persevering, she emerged as one of New Zealand’s best-known filmmakers and a powerful voice for indigenous peoples around the world. Merata was also a longtime advisor to Sundance Institute, and the indigenous artist fellowship bears her name. In MERATA: How Mum Decolonised the Screen, Merata’s youngest son, Hepi, crafts a deeply intimate portrait of his late mother
DirectorHeperi Mita
ScreenwriterHepi Mita
CinematographyMike Jonathan
CastAwatea Mita·Eruera 'Bob' Mita·Heperi Mita·Alanis Obomsawin·Rafer Rautjoki·Rhys Rautjoki·Richard Rautjoki·N. Bird Runningwater·Taika Waititi
Original titleMerata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen