Māoriland Film Festival celebrates rangatahi voices with Ka Rere Te Manu Awards in partnership with E Tū Whānau
A unique opportunity for rangatahi to showcase their creativity and perspectives on the big screen.
Māoriland Charitable Trust and E Tū Whānau are excited to announce the Ka Rere Te Manu Film Awards (previously known as E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Awards).
The awards were established in 2014 to celebrate rangatahi voices in film, with many originating from the E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film workshop programmes. Over 8,000 rangatahi have participated in these workshops in communities across Te Ika a Māui.
In the workshop programme Māoriland mentors work with rangatahi filmmakers from across Aotearoa to enable them to bring their authentic stories to the screen.
Rhoen Hemara, one of the filmmaking mentors at Māoriland, says the name ‘Ka Rere Te Manu’ stems from the whakataukī ‘mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu,’ meaning ‘adorn the bird with feathers, so it can take flight’.
“It’s about nurturing and empowering the next generation of storytellers with the tools they need to soar and excel in their creative journeys,” said Rhoen.
To support this, Ngā Pakiaka have re-launched the rangatahi portal on maorilandfilm.co.nz – with downloadable resources, and Ngā Pakiaka’s Instagram channel as a hub for rangatahi filmmakers and their supporters, providing resources, updates, and access to tools for creating impactful films.
Film submissions for Ka Rere Te Manu – the E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Awards are now officially open!
There are 3 age categories, Pīpī Paopao (Under 14s), Pīrere (Under 18s), and Manu Tāiko (ages 18-25), The deadline of June 8th, 2025.
Award-winning entries will screen at the Ka Rere Te Manu Film Awards on June 26th 2025, where filmmakers will be celebrated in front of an audience of their peers. Each category will be awarded prizes to support their interest in filmmaking, allowing them some resources to keep creating epic films.
Māoriland Film Festival Director, Madeleine Hakaraia de Young says, “The E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Awards are about celebrating rangatahi perspectives and honouring their creativity.
“Alongside E Tū Whānau, we’ve supported many of the rangatahi engaged in this kaupapa into further work in the screen sector and other fields,” says Maddy.
“Ka Rere Te Manu is about honouring their efforts, and elevating their achievements. We have powerful storytellers here in Aotearoa and our rangatahi are amongst the best.”
About Māoriland Film Festival
The Māoriland Film Festival is now the largest international Indigenous film festival in the world offering a platform for Indigenous filmmakers to connect, share, and celebrate their stories.
Māoriland is committed to training the next generation of Māori and Indigenous filmmakers to ensure their voices are heard.
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:
Jasmine Day
Māoriland Charitable Trust
Email: [email protected]