Cousins

Pioneering Māori filmmaker Merata Mita spent years trying to turn Cousins into a movie before her death in 2010. The project was picked up by writer/director Briar Grace-Smith and director Ainsley Gardiner. The acclaimed feature is based on Patricia Grace's decade-spanning novel, following three Māori cousins in post-WWll Aotearoa — including Mata, whose removal from her whānau into state care profoundly affects each woman. Later, middle-aged Makareta Pairama (Briar Grace-Smith) recognises her lost cousin on a city street, and memories of their shared rural childhood come flooding back.   

What I enjoyed most of all was having the opportunity to be on-set during production where there was a joyful whānau atmosphere, and where the only raised voice was when it was time to 'cut'.

– Cousins author Patricia Grace on the making of the film, in a 21 January 2021 press release

Key Cast & Crew

Rachel House

As: Missy (adult)

Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne

As: Makareta (adult)

Ana Scotney

As: Mata (adult)

Briar Grace-Smith

Co-Director, Writer, As: Makareta (older)

Ainsley Gardiner

Co-Director, Producer

Tanea Heke

As: Mata (older)