Mrs Mokemoke

This black and white short film explores a relationship triangle — between a Māori woman, her boorish Pākehā husband, and the woman’s protective father, arguing over rights to a farm. It was made as an Auckland University masters project by Li Geng Xin; he wanted to tell a story using visual language, and choses the expressive mode of the silent film to do so. Māori instruments (taonga puoro) and piano are used on the soundtrack. Mrs Mokemoke was selected for the 2015 NZ International Film Festival, in the Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts programme. 

I was very happy to support Li Geng Xin as he unapologetically proposed and pursued his boldly stylistic film. He made a deliberate decision about his aesthetics ... it indicates his unique approach to the practice of filmmaking. That kind of originality is rare – it cannot be taught.

– Jake Mahaffy, who supervised Mrs Mokemoke director Li Geng Xin for his Master of Arts in Screen Production, Auckland University website, 24 June 2015

Key Cast & Crew

Louisa Tipene Opetaia

As: Mrs Mokemoke

Li Geng Xin

Director, Writer, Cinematographer

Tia Barrett

Producer, Co-Writer , Costumes

Glenn Richard

As: Jack

Walter Matatia Marsters

As: Father

Lance Chapman

Lighting