Te Puia Movies in the Pā event to celebrate and entertain

For Immediate Release

7 November, 2013

Te Puia Movies in the Pā event to celebrate and entertain

A unique Māori film festival, Movies in the Pā, will mark the first in a series of public events for Te Puia|New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute’s (NZMACI) 50th anniversary celebrations.

Movies in the Pā will be held next Saturday November 16 on Te Puia’s marae ātea – the open area in front of the main wharenui (meeting house).

Te Puia General Manager Kiri Atkinson-Crean says the event will celebrate past and present Māori filmmaking with a selection of local and national short films. The films will be interspersed with short videos known as “Vines” which were filmed in Te Whakarewarewa Valley by Rotorua students.

Ms Atkinson-Crean says it is a unique opportunity for the public to be a part of the milestone celebrations.

“We are delighted to be celebrating 50 years since our establishment under an Act of Parliament and look forward to showcasing Māori talent as well as our talented youth.”

Eight Rotorua schools selected crews of three intermediate aged students to produce the Vines, which will be up for special awards on the night, including an award for the overall winning crew.

“The short films selected for screening, along with the very modern Vines, mean that there will be something for everyone, young and old,” says Ms Atkinson-Crean.

“Manuhiri (guests) can bring their own picnic dinner or treat their family to something from our various food stalls.”

The films, from Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts, have been curated by Leo Koziol of Wairoa Māori Film Festival. They range from 8 - 15 minutes in duration and showcase the talent of New Zealand filmmakers.

There will be seven short films, along with the Vine videos, including Whakatiki which was part of the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival, and Snow in Paradise which featured in the 2012 Berlin International Film Festival. Another short film, The Lawnmower Men of Kapu, won the 2012 People's Choice Award - the top award at the Wairoa Māori Film Festival.

Movies in the Pā includes a closed screening on Friday November 15 for koeke (elders) that focuses on the connections between koeke and youth. The evening will involve a series of historical short silent films about Te Whakarewarewa Valley interspersed with the Vine videos produced by Rotorua students.

Gates open at 6.30pm for the public event on Saturday November 16 with the movies commencing at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.co.nz.

Tickets cost $15 per adult, $8 per child (up to 18 years, two years and under are free) and $8 for senior citizens. Family tickets are available for $42 (two adults and two children, additional fees may apply).

It has been 50 years since Te Puia|NZMACI’s establishment under an Act of Parliament. Originally legislated in 1926, NZMACI’s mandated cultural interests were combined with tourism in Rotorua’s Te Whakarewarewa Valley following the broadening of the Act in 1963.

ENDS

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