the first new zealand film seen by me at this years nziff
documentary - political - cultural - historical - even controversial
the film inspired by the 79 day protest held in whanganui back in 1995
iwi of the area deciding to hold a peaceful gathering in moutau gardens
another part of a long-running dispute over ownership of whanganui river
i don't recall any media coverage of the event at the time - not much it seems
so most of the footage used in the film supplied by channel 9 from australia
this consists of scenes of people arriving in the gardens at dawn one morning
the sense of the importance of this protest for all maoris everywhere realised
with iwi from other parts of the country travelling to support the local iwi
many whanau consisting of people of all ages making up the large numbers
a total of over 600 people involved in the near 3 month period occupation
the film providing a good account of their quiet determination and commitment
interviews with various iwi elders, speeches, hakas and the eventual leaving
a decision to do so peacefully after a high court ruling went against them
a calm withdrawl to maintain their dignity - mana - of upmost importance
then to provide the necessary persepctive the film then travels the river
footage of a snow-capped rongatiro where the snows melt and descend
feeding into streams and waterfalls that eventually lead to the large river
then some stunning aerial shots from a helicopter of the flowing river
an explanation then of the cultural and spiritual significance to all iwi
impressively done - this pakeha sitting in a theatre then totally gets it
there's enough still photos of historical significance to provide depth
this is not just a modern-day issue - has been going on for centuries
cut to modern day and interviews with a number of unnamed people
talking not only of the river but also of the want to maintain their culture
expected of course from elders but here impressively from young people
2 teenage girls in particular speaking with confidence of their love and respect
same with a quite hardened looking man speaking like an elite intellectual
there is a steely resolve in all their eyes and a sense of utmost integrity
the later part of the film is based around a canoe race on the river
again iwi coming from near and far to take part in the large event
some pre-race interviews suggesting being there is the main thing
nothing too serious with craft of all various shapes mostly fibreglass
some footage of the race itself and the enjoyment of participation
then a clear statement that the river is important socially also
cutting away from the big event the film then starts to wind up
more amazing scenery footage and still shots of the area
mixed up with some quite haunting but beautiful music
and a voiceover explaining how the proposal will work
the river will become a separate entity in its own right
not owned by the crown or persons or organisation
one iwi representative and one crown representative
to meet as required to oversee activity requests, etc
such a disconnection of land/resources quite unique
a first for nz and only the second time in the world
we are in for a special treat at this film showing
the director - paora te oti takarangi joseph is with us
he was a student attending the original protest back in 1995
now carving out a career as a film-maker and this a big step
his first feature-length documentary and rightly proud of it
coming across in the q&a session at the conclusion
me - well informed now - will recommend it
a film for every new zealander (and more)...
