Māoriland Wins at Cannes – Global Production Award for Social and Economic Impact
Cannes, France — Māoriland has been awarded the prestigious Global Production Award for Social and Economic Impact at the 2025 Global Production Awards in Cannes, recognising over a decade of transformative work building Indigenous filmmaking capacity from Ōtaki, Aotearoa to the world.
Presented by Screen International from the Cannes Film Festival, this year’s Global Production Awards shine a spotlight on international leaders who are redefining the screen industry through innovation, sustainability, and meaningful impact.
Māoriland was selected from a competitive field of finalists for its unique kaupapa Māori-led approach that fosters cultural, economic, and creative empowerment for Māori and Indigenous storytellers.
“We are thrilled to have been recognised at Cannes with the Economic and Social Impact Award,” said Libby Hakaraia, Head of Content at Māoriland Films. “To be on the world stage in the centre of the film universe of Cannes is a powerful reminder that homegrown creative ideas and passion to build what didn’t exist can be respected globally.”
“When we began building Māoriland, some said we wouldn’t succeed. However, we were clear in our intentions—to create social, cultural, and economic benefits—and we leaned into the strength of our Indigenous filmmaker relationships and our community in Ōtaki. Winning the Global Production Award is validation of 12 years of committed work.”
This marks Māoriland’s first official trip to Cannes, where they have come with a clear mission: to connect, collaborate, and champion Indigenous films on the world stage.
“This award is affirmation that the world is not only excited to hear our stories—they’re energised by the way we work and communicate,” said Madeleine Hakaraia de Young, Director of the Māoriland Film Festival. “We are here to do business, to grow the reach and impact of our stories, and to generate new opportunities for Māori and Indigenous creatives, our collaborators, whānau, and community.”
Māoriland also extends their congratulations to Craig Gainsborough of Greenlit, recipient of the Impact Leadership Award.
‘Māoriland has supported Greenlit from its inception. We are incredibly proud and excited for Craig who is doing exceptional work to support New Zealand productions to work sustainably. Kei runga noa atu koe.’
Māoriland acknowledges the support of our key partners whose commitment and belief in our kaupapa has made this journey possible: Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga – the New Zealand Film Commission, Kāpiti Coast District Council, Screen Wellington – UNESCO City of Film, Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Te Māngai Paho, NZ on Air and E Tū Whānau.
