Hiona Henare’s beautifully lyrical and intimate documentary closes in tightly on the art and meaning of tatau in ‘Ruahine: Stories in her Skin’, which was among the winners at this year’s FIFO in Tahiti. For Māori women receiving their traditional moko kauae (chin tattoos), they are visually asserting their birthright and identity while celebrating the mana (spiritual power) of their whakapapa (ancestry). Taking viewers inside two moko kauae ceremonies, Ruahine explores the powerful and personal reasons for women getting the tattoo, the practice once suppressed through legislation and now experiencing a resurgence. Henare’s access delivers an uninhibited and unobstructed experience, filled with traditional songs and story. This screening is accompanied by a conversation with filmmaker, Hiona Henare.
**This bundle includes short films Pasifika Stories: Taonga kiriata poto listed as bonus content below. **
English, Maori
New Zealand
Brown Bitty Pictures, Muaūpoko Trial Authority
As a mix of fiction, experimental filmmaking, and documentaries, Pasifika Shorts foreground events, stories, and wisdom previously buried as well as the strength of communities as they stand together against the ongoing impacts of colonialism. The incredible films remind us of not only the resilience of First Nation cultures and womxn, but also how we might learn from them to create a fairer and more sustainable future.
Kapaemahu
Directors, Writers & Producers: Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson / United States / 2020 / 8 mins
The Moon and The Night
Director: Erin Lau / United States / 2018 / 19 mins
Our Atoll Speaks, Ko Talatala Mai Tō Mātou Wenua
Director: Gemma Cubero del Barrio / Writers: Gemma Cubero del Barrio, Amelia Rachel Hokule’a Borofsky, Florence Ngatokorua “Johnny” Tiane Frisbie / Producer: Gemma Cubero del Barrio, Amelia Rachel Hokule’a Borofsky / United States / 2019 / 12 mins
TAKE
Director: Victoria Hunt / Writers: Victoria Hunt, Margot Nash / Producer: Margot Nash / Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom / 2020 / 9 mins
Standing Above the Clouds
Director: Jalena Keane-Lee / Writer: Diana Diroy / Producer: Amber Espinosa-Jones, Jalena Keane-Lee, Pua Case / United States / 2019 / 15 mins
Purea
Director & Writer: Kath Akuhata-Brown / Producer: Verity Mackintosh, Julian Arahanga / New Zealand / 2020 / 6 mins
Read more about these shorts on the ACMI Website.
Ruahine: Stories in Her Skin director, Hiona Henare, speaks with MWFF programmer Sonja Hammer about the making of the film and the cultural and spiritual significance of moko kauae (traditional chin tattoo) for wahine (Māori women).