Tariana Turia, Co-leader of the Maori Party
Thursday 19 January 2006
“Aotearoa is taking the world by storm - and the world loves it” said Tariana Turia today, at the announcement that Toa
Fraser’s first feature film, No. 2 has been selected in the Sundance World Dramatic competition which will take place in
Utah from 19-29 January 2006.
“I haven’t had the privilege of seeing ‘No 2’ yet [it is released in New Zealand cinemas on 16 February] but from the
‘shorts’, I can see that it shares with the world another unique glimpse into Aotearoa”.
The film tells the story of Nanna Maria, who inspired by a dream of her childhood in Fiji, gathers all her
grand-children together to name her successor.
“It places all the elements of classic Aotearoa up on the big screen - all the dynamics and vitality of whanau life; the
wisdom and love of our treasured kuia and koroua, the passion that comes with rich cultural diversity, a massive hakari
(feast); and the warmth of pure Polynesia”.
“I’m really proud that our award-winning writer, Toa Fraser, has been so motivated by his experience as a Fijian-New
Zealander that he has created a film which clearly the critiques love”.
“The Maori Party wishes Toa and all the crew the greatest success as they fly out tonight for Utah”.
ENDS