Māoriland Productions films selected for imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
The Māoriland Productions team are heading to Toronto, Canada to present two short films selected for the 24th annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival from October 17-22 2023.
‘He Karu, He Taringa’ written and directed by Tahuaroa Ohia tells the real-life story of his journey with autism. The film, which is shot as a POV through the main character’s eyes, follows six-year-old Ben and his mother Hema as they navigate the education and health system in search of help with Ben’s development.
“It’s really important that Tahu’s story get shared with the world, as this is not something isolated to his family alone, but something many Indigenous families have to deal with in order to get support with an autistic family member. This film helps to shed a light on what life is like for them.” said ‘He Karu, He Taringa’ producer Jess Berghan.
He Karu, He Taringa screens in the Short Film Program 3: “A Mother’s Love”
– October 18, 8pm at TBLB 1 – TIFF Bell Lightbox
The second film going to imagineNATIVE is short film ‘Brolesque’ written and directed by Libby Hakaraia. When Mataara finds out his elderly grandmother made plans to go to a male strip show that got cancelled, he decides to recruit some mates to put on a very special show for her. This film begs the question, “How far would you go to make your nana happy?”.
Brolesque screens in the Short Film Program 6: “That’s My Baby!”
– October 20, 7:30pm at TBLB 4 – TIFF Bell Lightbox
ImagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is an annual event based in Toronto, Canada, dedicated to showcasing and celebrating Indigenous film, video, audio, and digital media. Established in 1999, it provides a platform for Indigenous artists and storytellers from around the globe to share their diverse narratives, cultures, and perspectives through the medium of film. The festival features a rich program of screenings, exhibitions, panel discussions, and workshops, fostering dialogue and cultural exchange while promoting Indigenous voices and creativity within the film and media industry.