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The Makutu on Mrs Jones
Short Film (Full Length) – 1983
A culture clash story by Witi Ihimaera inspired this comic drama, which marked the directing debut of screen veteran Larry Parr. Set in the mist-shrouded Taranaki hamlet of Whangamomona in the 1940s, the short film focuses on the conflict between a local tohunga, Mr Hohepa (Sonny Waru) and feisty Pākehā Mrs Jones (Annie Whittle) — as viewed by the young boy who helps deliver her mail and groceries (Julian Arahanga, in his screen debut). The locals think Hohepa has placed a makutu (or curse) on Mrs Jones. But could more basic human emotions be at work?
It made me laugh. It had good detail and it was whimsical.– Witi Ihimaera on the screen version of his short story
Key Cast & Crew
See all 30 credits
Produced by
Mirage Films
Acknowledgements
Made with the assistance of the Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand
Music
Soundtrack by Taura Eruera.
Categories
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