Paula Whetu Jones

Paula Whetu Jones' passion for social issues is reflected both in her documentaries, and her later work in narrative drama. Among many documentary projects, she directed and produced The Hidden for Inside New Zealand and directed the award-winning Gang Girls. She joined an ensemble of female writers and directors on feature drama Waru (2017) before co-directing and co-writing acclaimed Whina Cooper biopic Whina. For the small screen, Whetu was a writer and director on religious drama Testify. She also created the semi-autobiographical Spinal Destination, a comedy-drama about a woman learning to live with being paralysed. 

I feel privileged that my first foray into the film world I was wrapped around by some of the best female writer directors in the industry. It was a no brainer, I couldn't fail with that much love, care and experience around me. Paula Whetu Jones on her work on collaborative film Waru, Flicks, website, 16 October 2018