Independent Cinema for Everyone

Following the death of a child, eight Maori women are confronted by guilt, pride and defeat but will ultimately risk everything for the greater good of their community. We see a single death through the differing lenses of the extended family, community, and in one sharp sequence, national media too. Waru weaves multiple reactions and offers a glimpse into the events that ensue upon the killing of a child and the conflict created among loved ones. Eight female Maori directors have each contributed a ten minute vignette, presented as a continuous shot in real time that unfolds around the tangi (funeral). In Maori, waru means eight.

Dir. Briar Grace-Smith, Casey Kaa, Ainsley Gardiner, Katie Wolfe, Renae Maihi, Chelsea Cohen, Paula Whetu-Jones, Awanui Simiah-Pene, New Zealand, 2018, 86 mins.
Cast. Miriama McDowell, Tanea Heke, Kararaina Rangihau.