WINTER STREAMING & SCREENING

Muru at Whānau Mārama NZ International Film Festival WINTER STREAMING AND SCREENING

Our entertainment worlds are again embracing the big screen experience and during July there are some exceptional locally made films to see in theatres.

Watching a feature film on the big screen in a theatre with friends is a unique shared experience and is part of what makes film such an enduring entertainment art form. Our local filmmakers are a diverse and talented group worthy of our audience and continued support. Just watching the trailer of Muru, the film that will open the Whānau Marama NZ International Film Festival, should be enough to have you booking tickets to this festival as soon as they are available.

From the Te Reo Māori version of the Lion King showing in cinemas throughout the country (June and July) to a host of incredible films at this year’s Doc Edge Festival 2022 (1 June to 10 July) and the Whānau Mārama NZ International Film Festival (28 July till 7 August), there’s lots to enjoy.

WHĀNAU MĀRAMA NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Muru The action thriller Muru premieres at the Whānau Mārama NZ International Film Festival in July and while there hasn’t been time to review the film yet, the trailer alone is evidence it is going to be a truly gripping story experience. Stacked with talented actors it promises to tell the very human story of the victims of the 2007 Tūhoe raids. It has been described as a film of love, conflict and forgiveness, and is a must see, must share experience that promises to start real conversations.

DOC EDGE OR ONLINE www.docedge.nz

Marama Whetū - Bright Star Some have said that Sir Hek should be as well know to us all as Sir Ed and after watching this film it is hard not to agree. This award winning documentary tells of Sir Hekenukumai Puhipi Busby's journey to reignite the art of Māori navigation and voyaging.

Filmmakers Aileen O’Sullivan and Toby Mills have created more than just a tribute to Sir Hek in this beautifully layered masterpiece of documentary storytelling. Within minutes the film connects you to the emotional journey Sir Hek and others undertake to reclaim a Polynesian tradition of navigation and

Whetū Marama, Bright Star at Doc Edge 2022

voyaging that is embedded fiercely in language and culture, revealing how vital these traditions are to future wellbeing. Exquisitely shot, this is a film that is a must see at the Doc Edge Festival 2022. 

Whina at Event Cinemas

EVENT CINEMAS NETFLIX

Whina Reviewers continue to pour praise on this biopic blockbuster of a local film and it is no wonder. The story of the OG mother of the nation, Dame Whina Cooper, is so beautifully told through her eyes at poignant points in her life.

A woman whose drive and determination challenged barriers at every step with unflinching resolve, underscored by the need to always have hope – such was Whina. Her messages continue to resonate today and her story is more than simply an inspiration; it is a reminder to do more. A reminder that the right thing to do is rarely the easy thing to do. Fantastic performances by Rena Owen, Miriama McDowell, and Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne are a tribute to the fantastic directors and producers who nurtured this film and delivered a taonga. You can’t help but love Whina. 

AMAZON PRIME

The Boys The terrifyingly flawed superheroes continue to please audiences in Season 3 of The Boys. Featuring local actors Karl Urban and Anthony Starr it is splatter filled with black humour and is entertainment worthy of a winter binge. 

Stranger Things It is almost impossible to review without spoilers but it is safe to say that Season 4 of this series is scarier, spookier and more ‘bloody’ than the last. Tweens and teens across the nation last month gathered to binge episodes of this super sized Season 4 sci fi horror. While the heroes continue to defend against the demons of the upside down, even more scary threats take hold and the unresolved stories of much loved characters from previous episodes suggests there will be little comfort around the next corner. 

WHAKAATA MĀORI AND MĀORI +

Legacy Legacy is the story of true entertainers, the legendary Katchafire and brothers Logan and Jordan Bell. The two, like many in the band, believe it is their responsibility to leave a legacy for the next generation. Music and family bonds are what has held them together for over two decades and guided them through the disruption of Covid-19 and many more challenges.

This is a documentary with an incredible soundtrack coupled with historical footage and a revealing honesty sharing the ups and the downs. Only available to stream till 31 July 2022 so stream it now. 

, Stranger Things Season 4 NETFLIX