In the 1970s, Merata Mita (1942-2010) broke through barriers of race, class, and gender to become the first Maori woman to write and direct a feature film. She emerged as one of New Zealand’s best-known filmmakers and a powerful voice for indigenous peoples around the world. In this film, Merata’s youngest son, Hepi, crafts a deeply intimate portrait of his late mother. Drawing on footage from her work, as well as from interviews with her from before she picked up a camera, Hepi captures Merata as a filmmaker, mother, wife and mentor.
Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen
2018
14 years
89 min.
Documentary
New Zealand
New Zealand, parenthood, female directors, human rights, cinema, documentary
Colorido, P&B
Hepi Mita
Hepi Mita
Mike Jonathon
Te Rurehe Paki
Chelsea Winstanley
Arama Pictures
Wide Management
43