NATIVE Minds at MFF2021

Thirteen exciting Indigenous speakers across four in-depth sessions, the Native Minds sessions at the Māoriland Film Festival are interactive discussions with filmmakers and creatives about all things industry. 

The four sessions cover various topics relating to the Indigenous filmmaking industry. During ‘Innovation in a time of COVID’, producer and director Kath Akuhata Brown, and local industry production gurus Amber & Victor Naveira will reflect on the challenges and realities of filmmaking during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

During ‘Framing Difficult Truths’ , broadcaster and filmmaker Tainui Stephens, producer and director Desray Armstrong, and Norwegian Sami filmmakers Marja & Ingir Bål Nango will take a look at the challenges and responsibilities storytellers face when framing controversial and difficult topics in their films. 

Looking forward to the next generation, the ‘New Māori Creatives’ Native Minds session will look how young Māori filmmakers are using technology and new techniques to tell their stories, with korero from Tainui Stephens, digital and multimedia artist Ani Oriwia Adds, 2D animator and digital artist Rautini Thompson and award-winning actress and director Cian Elyse White. 

And finally, ‘He Ahurea Hou’ looks at the filmmaking industry as a whole and how we can remedy entrenched toxic attitudes and behaviours while creating a collaborative space for Indigenous storytelling in the mainstream. Tainui Stephens will be joined by Te Ao Kapa, CEO at Te Kaha O Te Rangatahi Indigenous Youth Hub in South Auckland, critically acclaimed writer, actor, director Oscar Kightley, and founding member of rangatahi leadership group Te Anamata Eva Hakaraia.