The NATIVE Slam

INTERNATIONAL +

INDIGENOUS +

COLLABORATION

THE NATIVE SLAM IS PROOF THAT WHEN INDIGENOUS PASSION, SKILL AND A WILLINGNESS TO COLLABORATE COMBINES FILMMAKING MAGIC HAPPENS.

The NATIVE Slam is an international Indigenous collaboration challenge initiated by Māoriland Film Festival in 2016.

Over 72 hours, four teams of 3 Indigenous filmmakers work together to produce a short film to screen at the MFF.

Since 2016, five NATIVE Slams have taken place resulting in 60 filmmakers producing 21 films.

These films have screened at festivals around the world.

The NATIVE Slam produces exceptional indigenous films and, enduring creative friendships.

NATIVE Slam I

(2016)

Ara

(7 mins 43 seconds)

Echota Killsnight, Kath Akuhata Brown, Sara Margrethe Oskal

Māori artist Tracey Tawhiao digs beneath the daily news to find a vision for a new nation.

Ra’satste

(10 mins)

Jeremiah Tauamiti, Mike Jonathan, Sonia Boileau

In childbirth, strength can sometimes come from the most unexpected places

Sech’el

(10 Mins)

Chelsea Winstanley, Cornel Ozies, Trevor Mack

A friendship is altered forever when the courage of one is not reciprocated by the other.

Skoha

(9 mins 13 seconds)

Tainui Stephens, Zoe Hopkins, Rima Tamou

A cry for the ones we miss

Tawhaowhao

(5 mins 50 seconds)

Blackhorse Lowe, Himiona Grace, Sunna Nousuniemi

A man must face a harsh reality in his attempt to fix an estranged relationship between him and his 16 year old daughter

NATIVE Slam II

To reveal the past as a map to the future (2017)

Ena Koe

(6 mins)

Lennie Hill, Manuarii Bonnefin

What happens when a man discovers a baby in his home?

Kia Tau

(10 Mins)

Christopher Molloy, Michelle Latimer, Yamin Tun

The spirit of the departed lingers long after death.

Ka Puta Ko Au

(11 mins)

Amie Batalibasi, Kelton Stepanowich, Renae Maihi

A young woman sets out to end a destructive tribal rivalry by offering the gift of life.

Uhiwai

(7 mins)

Erin Lau, Ryan Alexander Lloyd, Jerome Schmitt

The mist will lift

NATIVE Slam III

For the Love of our Mother (2018)

Ara Marumaru

(7 mins 25 seconds)

Kawennahere Devery Jacobs, Ken Are Bongo, Richard Curtis

The Shadowed Pathway

Moa Ma Le Pinko

(7 mins)

Amberley Jo Aumua, Jesse Littlebird, Courtney Montour

Two strangers strike up an unusual conversation in a cemetery as they cope with the loss of their mothers

Taonga

(7 mins 10 seconds)

Lanita Ririnui, Trevor Solway, Shandiin Tome

A young girl makes a choice that decides her most treasured

audience of all.

Te Kaitiaki

(11 Mins 49 seconds)

Asia Youngman, Isaac Te Reina, Razelle Benally

Two men from different world views form an unlikely relationship to

find a stronger sense of understanding.

NATIVE Slam IV

Empathy (2019)

Awa

(8 mins 34 seconds)

Jason Taylor, Morningstar Derosier, Tyson Mowarin

The deep connection a granddaughter has for her grandmother

Kauri

(5 mins 6 seconds)

Alex Lazarowich, Lada Suomenrinne, Raymond Edwards

From the sky to the land, from the land to the sky, we must protect the natural treasures of our world.

Māreikura

(7 mins 15 seconds)

Alika Maikau, Tihini Grant, Tristin Greyeyes

Find your voice, speak your truth

Ngā Koekoeā

(8 Mins 54 seconds)

Chapin Hall, Jaimee Poipoi, Joshua Teariki Baker

Meeting for the first time at a local Wellington lookout, two strangers strike up an interesting conversation on culture, home and self-acceptance

NATIVE Slam V

Empathy (2019)

Aitu

(7 mins)

Piripi Curtis, Gabrielle Fa’aiuaso

For some whānau dealing with demons is just part of growing up.

Atua

(8 mins 34 seconds)

Hiona Henare, Chantelle Murray, Bailey Poching

Kahu is the last man standing in a world devastated by disease.

Piiksi Huia

(7 mins 15 seconds)

Cian Elyse White, Joshua Manyheads

Huia dreams to be a principle ballerina.

Whakarongo

(8 Mins 54 seconds)

Nicholas Riini, Anna Hoover, Aslak Paltto

A teenage girl seeks harmony with her best friend only to find her friend struggles to separate herself from her device and see the beauty that surrounds them.

Tikanga

The following principles are given to each NATIVE Slam team to guide their productions.

1 | The film’s title must be in a Native language.

2 | The story must be part of a wider story – in that it has context with

another time, people, or place.

3 | Only one camera can be used at any one time.

4 | Available light only can be used. Neither added lights nor filters. All FX are in-camera.

5 | Every film must have some spoken and un-translated native language.

6 | Music can only express on screen emotion, it cannot illustrate action.

7 | No expenditure is permitted for the creation of costume, sets and props. – but you may want to bring some props from your national regalia that you may want to utilize.

8 | Every day of production begins and ends with prayer and ritual.

9 | Creative and managerial control of the film will be Indigenous. A portion of the intellectual property will lie with any tribal owners of the story. A portion of the profits of the film will be held in trust for Indigenous film education.

10 | Every film must heal.