“To have it chosen to represent Aotearoa New Zealand is huge,” Stappard says.
“I made this film to reclaim our history through a Māori lens: boldly, unapologetically and on our own terms. After seeing audiences around the world embrace Mārama, I’m incredibly proud that this distinctly Māori story now has the chance to stand on the world stage.”
Chief executive of the New Zealand Film Commission Annie Murray says the selection recognised the craft and ambition of Stappard’s filmmaking.
“Mārama is fearless filmmaking: culturally grounded, cinematically ambitious and unmistakably from Aotearoa. Taratoa has brought a powerful Māori perspective to the screen with confidence and originality.