NY | Pacific Island Film Festival: "Mārama"

The Pacific Island Film Festival of New York City provides a platform for Pacific Island cinema and promotes networking and talent development in New York City, giving the communities in and around New York City the opportunity to experience and immerse themselves in storytelling from Pacific Islanders. Join us for a free screening of Mārama (New Zealand, 2025, 89 min.), directed by Taratoa Stappard (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa me Ngāti Tūwharetoa), presented in English and Māori with English subtitles. A young Māori woman, Mary, receives a mysterious letter promising information about her genealogy. She makes the journey to Yorkshire, England from New Zealand, only to learn the sender has passed. A wealthy whaler, Sir Nathaniel Cole forces Mary to become governess to his granddaughter, Anne, in his home filled with Māori belongings. Living among her ancestors' stolen artifacts, she begins to uncover Sir Cole's horrific crimes. Embracing her powers as a Matakite (a seer), Mary becomes Mārama and must save Anne and avenge her family. *Note: This film contains graphic language and scenes of violence, including violence against women and children. Viewer discretion is advised. The screening will be followed by "Dreams to Screams", a panel discussion on the ins and outs of film pre-production with a focus on Indigenous horror. The discussion will center on producers, production managers, and directors, with a deep dive into casting, locations, and crewing, giving audience members better insights into the filmmaking process before anyone arrives on set. Image: "MĀRAMA" (film still), courtesy of Mpi Media