Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts 2023 in Tāmaki Makaurau

We were delighted to present this year's Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts collection to Tāmaki Makaurau audiences on Saturday 22nd July at ASB Waterfront Theatre. Eight short films from Aotearoa and the Pacific were selected by curators Leo Koziol (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rakaipaaka), Director of the Wairoa Māori Film Festival, and Craig Fasi (Niue), Director of the Pollywood Film Festival and will screen during NZIFF in all festival locations.

The selected shorts this year are: Tulouna Le Lagi by Pati Tyrell, Kōkako by Douglas Brooks, Whakaako kia Whakaora / Educate to Liberate by Robert George, The Last Sunday by Saito Lilo, Mako by Mark Papalii, Bringing Mere Home by Keelan Walker, He Pounamu Ko Āu by Tia Barrett, and I Am Paradise by Hiona Henare.

After a Q+A with the filmmakers, audience members had the chance to vote for the winner of the Letterboxd Audience Award, a cash prize of $1000, which will be announced at the Closing Night of NZIFF in Wellington.

Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts 2023 photos by Jinki Cambronero.