Critically-acclaimed New Zealand short films are the focus of a new series, ITI POUNAMU, premiering on Māori Television on Monday June 25 at 9.30 PM.
Renowned filmmakers Ainsley Gardiner and Tearepa Kahi will host the 30-week season which will feature a single short film every week followed by a critique from the presenters and an interview with the filmmaker or an industry professional.
Māori Television’s head of programming, Larry Parr, says the ITI POUNAMU slot will showcase some of the amazing short films that have been produced in New Zealand over the years. “In the past decade, in particular, a new breed of filmmakers – many of whom are Māori – have evolved who are using the genre of short film to tell their stories,” Mr Parr says. “There is no series like ITI POUNAMU on local television and this is an excellent opportunity for viewers to see some of this country’s cutting-edge drama and filmmaking.”
The films include: Mananui – Monday June 25 at 9.30 PM: On returning to his marae, Mana finds conflict between traditional values and contemporary reality. With studio guest, director Poata Eruera.
O Tamaiti – Monday July 2 at 9.30 PM: Award-winning story of a young boy who plays guardian and protector to his siblings. But all his efforts cannot prevent the death of a new baby. With studio guest, writer and director Sima Urale.
Falling Sparrows – Monday July 9 at 9.30 PM: For a group of boys playing in a backyard blitzkrieg, war's a game and nobody dies. They're playing it like they've seen it in the movies – but they have no idea how real it's going to get. With studio guest, writer and director Murray Keane.
Pikowae – Monday July 16 at 9.30 PM: When you’re looking for trouble, sometimes it finds you. With studio guest, writer and director Vanessa Rare.
Hawaikii – Monday July 23 at 9.30 PM: A story of a young girl's attempt to find her identity in a new world and her father's efforts to support her. With studio guest, director Mike Jonathan.
The Speaker – Monday July 30 at 9.30 PM: A political tagger's midnight marauding gets his younger brother caught by the police. But saying ‘I'm sorry’ with meaning are words best said with action. Written and directed by Tearepa Kahi.
Te Po Uriuri – Monday August 6 at 9.30 PM: A young warrior becomes dangerously obsessed when his lover, a high-born chief's daughter, marries her arranged husband. With studio guest, writer, producer and director Toby Mills.
Dead Letters – Monday August 13 at 9.30 PM: On the home front in 1943, Ngaire and Gerald sort air graph letterforms destined for NZ soldiers abroad. A tiny act of heroism brings together this unlikely pair in an unconventional love story that cleverly blends fact with fiction. With studio guest, writer and director Paolo Rotondo.
Other short films screening during the series include Te Ao Kapurangi (Monday August 20); Lemming Aid (Monday August 27); Turangawaewae (Monday September 3); Bella (Monday September 10); A sensational season of New Zealand short films, ITI POUNAMU screens on Māori Television every Monday at 9.30 PM from June 25.
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