The University of New Mexico Anthropology Department will screen "Mauri," by Maori filmmaker Mereta Mita. The film will be shown Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. in the Anthropology lecture hall, north of Maxwell Museum.
Mita, who wrote, directed, and produced the groundbreaking film, will be present to talk with the audience after the screening. "Mauri," Mita's first full-length feature and the first full-length feature to be made by a Maori woman, is also the first told entirely from a Maori perspective. The Maori are indigenous people in New Zealand.
The film centers on the trauma of a disturbed Maori man who eventually confronts his tragic deception with courage and humility. The events as they unfold are underpinned by the enduring strength and wisdom of Maori women. The film features beautiful cinematography as well as an evocative soundtrack by Amokura that incorporates traditional Maori instruments.
Mita first received recognition as a documentary filmmaker. She has been lauded for her sensitive and committed efforts to ensure that the Maori culture is celebrated, respected, and recognized internationally. In 2000, she received the Taos Mountain Film Festival award for lifetime achievement for an outstanding aboriginal film professional. Last year she was the guest of honor at Montreal's 13th First People's Festival, where a retrospective of her work was held.
Tickets are available for $12 at the UNM Box Offices, Tickets.com outlets, and from the Anthropology Department, over the phone by calling 925-5858 or 1-800-905-3315. Tickets are also available on the web at www.unmtickets.com and at the door. Proceeds will benefit the UNM Anthropology Graduate Student Scholarship Fund.
The screening is part of the International Indigenous Film Festival, held in conjunction with the Jubilee anniversary of the UNM Anthropology Department.
Contact: Greg Johnson (505) 277-1816
Posted by kwentworth at February 25, 2004 01:38 PM