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Ngati

Film, 1987 (Drama, Māori)

 Ngati

Synopsis

Set in and around the fictional town of Kapua in 1948, Ngati is the story of a Māori community. The film comprises three narrative threads: a boy, Ropata, is dying of leukaemia; the return of a young Australian doctor, Greg, and his discovery that he has Māori heritage; and the fight to keep the local freezing works open. Unique in tone and quietly powerful in its storytelling, Ngati was Barry Barclay's first dramatic feature and the first feature to be written and directed by Māori. Ngati screened in Critics' Week at Cannes. 

Background

A perspective by Catherine Bisley 07.05.2009

Toward the end of Ngati, wahine toa Sally speaks on Māori autonomy; she calls for the community to reclaim ownership of its farms and fisheries. This polemic sums up the intention of director ...

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Credits (15)

 Barry Barclay
 John O'Shea
 Tama Poata

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Comments (14)

 Gerard

Gerard

I thought this film was cinematic and quietly powerful in comparison to many other efforts by NZ filmakers - which can be like Television drama. It was good to see authentic aspects of indigenous culture and aspects of its community on show here, along with a powerful and moving story. Although some of the acting was a bit wooden, this film was on a really interesting path and shows what can be made from real life stories here.

 Makareta Tatare

Makareta Tatare

my grand uncles is in this movie.:D i watched it and loved it

 Melissa Taukiri

Melissa Taukiri

I was a young (form one) high school student when this film came out and we made a special trip for a screening in Taupo (I lived Turangi). A school friend used to sing the song 'Haere Mai' when ever something special happened like, the Prime Minister coming to visit or our Maori studies teacher retiring. Loved this film and that song.

 Lorayne King

Lorayne King

So is there a soundtrack available for this lovely film? My family & I so enjoyed watching it on the Maori channel last night. The music brought tears to my eyes as memories came flooding back, of a time long gone. If anyone can help us score the music, we would be so thankful.

 Venus Yerkovich

Venus Yerkovich

Kia Ora Nathan, Ngati was an awesome film.. am looking forward to seeing more of the same that produced this great work, including you.

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Collections.   See all collections ›  

Included in:

 Top 5 NZ Feature Films

Awards

1988 Listener Film and Television Awards
Best Film
Best Original Screenplay (Tama Poata)
Best Film Performance, Female (Judy McIntosh)
Best Film Performance, Male (Wi Kuki Kaa)
Nominated for Best Film Performance, Male (Ross Girven)

1987 Cannes Film Festival
Chosen for Critics Week section

1987 Taormina Film Festival (Italy)
Gold Charybdis Award for Best Film

1987 New Zealand Music Awards
Best Soundtrack (Dalvanius)