a coming-of-age fantasy-drama trilogy born of the stars and rooted in the mountains, forests, rivers, and sand dunes of Aotearoa (New Zealand). The writer and director Hiona Henare recreates three oral stories taken from her own tribal histories, in a reawakening of traditional Māori storytelling. Each story centers around a young lead protagonist who must rise to the challenge and defend their people, land and customary practices. The Untold Tales Of Tūteremoana is 100% Māori and celebrates the renaissance of Hiona’s endangered native language. It features an all Māori cast with veterans of stage and screen, along with a new generation of emerging young talent who shine, and are at the heart of each of the three stories.
Part 1: Toiroa Circa 850 AD
FIRST PEOPLE is the story of Ka’o (11), a mountain patupaiarehe (fairy) who dwells in the Tararua ranges with Moe (45), her Toiroa nomadic father. Moe is dealing with the loss of his wife, Tira, and as father and daughter struggle to find healing in their daily karakia and ceremony, their relationship further deteriorates.
Part 2: Oriori Circa 1500 AD
Tiaki’s (14) older brother Tamatea (18) has the honor of being selected to retrieve the revered tohunga safely for the birthing of the chief’s heir. Tiaki scrambles to finish his pāke just in time for Tamatea’s departure. With his pāke in hand, Tiaki is sure the path will be clear for Tamatea to reunite the tohunga with their chief, allowing him to open the spiritual portal to deliver the heir and true purpose.
Part 3: Whiro Circa 1769 AD
Whiro (17) has just lost her beloved kuia but the villagers have not gathered at the sand dunes for her burial. All of Whiro’s whānau mourns except Whiro; she is unable to wail and watches from the dunes above. Embarrassed by her behavior, Whiro’s aunties accuse Tita (35), her frail mother, of not raising Whiro to respect tradition and are wondering why the villagers haven’t attended their well respected mothers tangi.
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