Ngā Puna - Kahu & Maia

Kahu & Maia is a sultry mix of romance, intrigue and ancestral power, featuring significant early screen roles for Vanessa Rare (following her 1990 on-camera debut starring in Gaylene Preston's Ruby and Rata) and Cliff Curtis. Maia (Rare), a visual artist, is carving the likeness of her tipuna Rongomaiwahine when the arrival of the mysterious Kahu (Curtis) awakens a powerful connection rooted in the pūrākau (legend) of Rongomaiwahine and Kahungunu. The Ngā Puna anthology series was a collection of standalone stories helmed by champion of Māori screen drama, Don Selwyn.

I wish Rongomaiwahine would show herself to me. I need some inspiration.

– Maia (Vanessa Rare) tempts fate as she carves her tipuna Rongomaiwahine

Key Cast & Crew

Vanessa Rare

As: Maia

David Blyth

Director

Rewa Harre

Cinematographer

Cliff Curtis

As: Kahu

Ross Jennings

Producer

Karen Sidney

Writer