Ngati - 1987
Pacific Films - 90 min.
Cast: Michael Tibble, Oliver Jones, Wi Kuki Kaa, Kiri McCorkindale, Judy McIntosh, Norman Fletcher, Alice Fraser, Ross Girven, Iranui Haig, Ngawai Harrison, Connie Pewhairangi, Tuta Ngarimu Tamati.
Screenplay: Tama Poata; Photography: Rory O'Shea; Editor: Dell King; Music Producer: Bob Smith w/ Dalvanius; Producers: John O'Shea; Associate Producers: Craig Walters, Tama Poata; Director: Barry Barclay.
In 1947 a recently graduated doctor (Greg) is visiting an East Coast Maori settlement in which his doctor father use to practice. He learns that his late mother was a local Maori. The local schoolteacher, whose father was formerly in practice with Greg's father, introduces Greg to the community, and he gradually loses his smugness and somewhat racist attitudes. The community is threatened by the closure of the local freezing works, but the local manager proposes the community buy the works. The death of a leukemia inflected child results in a funeral conducted by the Tohunga which helps bring the community together. The was the first NZ feature made principally by Maori and used more non-actors than professionals. Wonderful photography and music. A somewhat rough script but recommended.
Censor Rating: PG - Review Rating: B-
