For Māori, the canoe underpins our culture. “ If it wasn’t for the waka we wouldn’t be here today and that’s the long and short of it” (Hek Busby)

We once built waka/canoes from giant trees and sailed the vast Pacific by the stars. These arts were lost to us for 600 years. Then the stars re-aligned and three men from far flung islands met by chance to revive our place as the greatest navigators on the planet, a Hawaiian, a Micronesian and Hek Busby, “The Chief” from Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Whetū Mārama-Bright Star is the story of Sir Hekenukumai Ngaiwi Phuipi, Hek Busby, his significance to Te Ao Māori, the Māori world, in rekindling their wayfinding DNA and for all New Zealanders in reclaiming our place as traditional star voyages on the world map.

For us the ultimate underlying focus of Whetū Mārama – Bright Star is the story of a culture that understands an inner compass. Being at sea, trying to find your way across a vast ocean without modern technology - makes you completely dependent on the natural world to find your way. Find your way at sea - find who you are - find your way in life. Hec talks of always knowing where he is - a sense of connection to his ancestors '"lying just below the surface". His voyaging has reconnected his crews with their inbuilt GPS systems and they in turn are teaching and inspiring the next generation, building a bridge back into our past to take us forward into the future.

Director: Toby Mills (Maori), Aileen O'Sullivan
Producer: Toby Mills (Maori), Aileen O'Sullivan
New Zealand | 2021 | 94 mins
English

PREVIEW SHORT FILM:

E Lele Le Toloa
Director: Selu-Kian Faletoese (Samoan) | 2021 | New Zealand | 7 mins 40 sec | English

E Lele Le Toloa is a visual Talanoa and exploration of faasinomaga (identity). At the centre is Tui Meki, a son of the Pacific, on a journey of self-discovery and finding his grounding in spaces that he moves through. We follow Meki, as he recounts the experiences that have helped shape and reveal to himself who he is as an individual.

NOTE: This film is available in the BIRRARANGGA Film Festival 3-pass and 5-pass ticket packages.