Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen

This documentary explores the life and work of Merata Mita, a pioneering Māori filmmaker who challenged colonial narratives through her powerful cinema. It delves into her personal struggles and triumphs as she navigated the male-dominated film industry and fought to amplify Indigenous voices. The film highlights her significant contributions to decolonizing the screen and inspiring future generations of storytellers.

The film received widespread critical acclaim, celebrated for its intimate portrait of Merata Mita and its timely exploration of decolonization in media. Reviewers lauded its emotional depth, historical significance, and Mita's enduring legacy.

• A vital and moving tribute to an often-overlooked cinematic trailblazer.

• Highlights the importance of Indigenous storytelling and Mita's groundbreaking impact.

• Compelling insight into the challenges faced by female filmmakers and Māori artists.

Google audience: Google users largely praised the film for its insightful look into Merata Mita's life and her significant contributions to filmmaking. Many appreciated the documentary's ability to shed light on Indigenous perspectives and the decolonization of cinema, finding it both inspiring and educational.

Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the ImagineNative Film + Media Arts Festival (2019).

Merata Mita was the first Māori woman to write, direct, and produce a feature-length drama film, 'Bastion Point: The Attack' (1983).