The Sea Child

In this early drama by director Bruce Morrison, a Māori girl from the big city joins her great-grandmother and extended whānau at their beachside home, for a summer holiday. Shy and quiet, Rozanna pines for the perky blonde talking doll which belongs to a local girl. That night she dreams the sea sends her a gift. In the morning Rozanna races down to the beach. After boasting about her special gift to local kids, Rozanna makes a fateful wish. The evocative piano soundtrack for this half-hour drama was composed by actor/singer Annie Whittle. Morrison went on to direct documentaries, including Heartland, and three feature films. 

Never turn you back to the sea...be careful.

– Grandmother (Mary Leef ) warns her mokopuna ( Rozanna Tahana) about the power of the sea

Key Cast & Crew

Kevin Hayward

Lighting Cameraman

Annie Whittle

Producer, Composer

Menehia Tahana

As: Grandfather

Rozanna Tahana

As: Rozanna

Mary Leef

As: Grandmother

Bruce Morrison

Director, Writer, Producer