Ahi Ataahua
1998 6m Short film
- Dance
- Māori
- Music
This performance-based film could potentially be filed under 'Pasifika tribal fusion'. Cinematographer Waka Attewell (Starlight Hotel, Poi-E) captures the talents of percussion group Strike (including then long-haired composer Gareth Farr) and choreographer/dancer Mika. Attewell’s camera circles a furnace of Strike drummers, framed by harakeke and toi toi flowers. The title translates as ‘beautiful fire’. At the core of the elemental imagery — fire, rain — is Mika, whose body (dressed by Pacific Sisters) channels Farr’s music.
Key Cast & Crew
SC
Simon Clothier
Editor
JB
Jan Bieringa
Producer
M
Mika (Neil Gudsell)
Performer
DB
Danny Black
Production Designer
















