My Weaponry (2010)

Taku Rākau E

Dedicated to the memory of Mihikitekapua

Released 2010-07-26T00:00:00.000Z · 14 min · Drama, Music

Languages: English (spoken), Māori (original), Māori (spoken)

In this poetic short film, writer/director/songwriter Kararaina Rangihau tells a story of great significance to the Tūhoe people. Unfolding entirely in te reo Māori, the narrative follows a child (played by Te Ratauhina Tumarae) learning the origins to the waiata 'Taku Rākau E', from her great-grandmother (Menu Ripia). Flicking between the present day and 1873, the great-grandmother tells how Mihikitekapua, a blind women of Tūhoe (also played by Ripia), first sang this important waiata. Rangihau was mentored by prominent filmmaker Merata Mita, who produced the film with co-producer Chelsea Winstanley.

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