The Mātaki Mai Māori Film Festival, running from 14 to 21 September, is set to bring Māori cinema to the forefront in Christchurch.

Hosted in partnership with Kōrero ki Ōtautahi and Alice Cinema, the festival aims to celebrate Māori culture and language through a diverse range of films.

Organisers said the festival aligns perfectly with Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week), also taking place from 14 to 21 September.

“The purpose of Mātaki Mai is to celebrate the indigenous language of Aotearoa, and there’s no better time to do that than during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.”

Sponsors and supporters of the event include HAPA, Locky Dock, Hayley Landreth, Te Taura Whiri o te Reo Māori, Christchurch City Council, and Alice Cinema.

The 2024 lineup features a range of films that highlight Māori stories and perspectives.

Events will take place throughout the week, starting with the Opening Night Gala on Saturday, 14 September, at 7.30pm, followed by the screening of I Am The River, The River Is Me at 8.30pm.

Additional screenings include:

• Sunday, 15 September, 11.40am: Encanto Reo Māori
• Monday, 16 September, 6.15pm: White Lies
• Tuesday, 17 September, 6.30pm: Mauri
• Wednesday, 18 September, 6.30pm: Poi E
• Thursday, 19 September, 8.15pm: Ka Whawhai Tonu
• Friday, 20 September, 8.30pm: Utu Redux
• Saturday, 21 September, 8.30pm: Closing Night with Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara

BOOK TICKETS HERE