An Open Letter to James Cameron

Tena koe James,

In some quarters you are described as a hero for the environment and, for Indigenous peoples especially those of the Amazon whom you have publicly supported in their efforts to save their lands, culture and language.

You were an outspoken supporter of the first Maori language film ever to gain an international film festival release (The Dead Lands, Toronto Film Festival 2014).

You have been quoted as saying that “Obviously Peter Jackson keeps the village fed when he’s making films but I don’t think the nation should look to him for total dependence so I’m going to do my part to help foster and grow the New Zealand film community.’’

We would not presume to know if you are a man of your word. We hope that many NZers benefit directly or indirectly from your filmmaking and the influence you have in Hollywood. We hope that by now you are aware of our culture. In the NZ film community the culture is pretty much that if you treat us right, then we will go the extra mile. There is also the culture of the Indigenous people of this country Aotearoa. We Maori have stories to tell – lots of them.

Everyone here knows that more often than not it is those films with Maori creatives or Maori stories that have succeeded domestically and travelled well. Films like Utu, The Piano, Once Were Warriors, Whalerider, Boy, What We Do in the Shadows, The Dead Lands, The Dark Horse and more recently Born to Dance and Hunt for the Wilderpeople – these films please the critics, and do the business.

What is perhaps not evident to many is that Maori are also part of an Indigenous film circle that stretches around the globe. We are connected through film.

We expect over 7000 people to attend MFF2017 – our fourth festival.

They will be shown films from filmmakers who have travelled across the globe to be in our quintessential NZ small town. We screen on our marae, at historic Rangiatea Church, in an award-winning multi-million-dollar stadium and in a faded-glory two-story theatre. We also have two free outdoor screenings. These are big events.

Maori filmmakers are regarded as pioneers in the creation of successful Indigenous film stories. We are now investigating new ways to get our films seen, to satisfy audiences, and inspire the creation of new work.

We are in the process of acquiring a huge building in the center of Otaki township for the Maoriland Hub – a multi-purpose cinema and performing arts venue to nurture filmmaking and collaboration. We see this as the start of the Maoriland Film Institute.

The long game is to serve a worldwide audience of hundreds of millions of Indigenous citizens, young and old, in the places where they gather.

We are seeking partnership from people who have resources to share, and who nurture a thoughtful approach to protecting the mana and value of film in our NZ lives – and who recognise the unique Indigenous route to our shared humanity. One that we can travel together.

Mauriora ki a koe.

Naku,

Libby Hakaraia