E Tipu e Rea - Roimata

A rural raised woman (Dianne Renolds) reconnects with her half sister (Rena Owen) in the city, and learns some hard life lessons. Roimata was the first film directed by then unknown writer Riwia Brown. Brown was initially reluctant to direct the adaptation of her play but, encouraged by producer Larry Parr, she decided that with only one Māori woman director in New Zealand (Merata Mita) there was a need to develop the talent of Māori women in the industry. Brown later wrote the screenplay for Once Were Warriors. Screen legend Ramai Hayward also features.

It's strange — before Mum and Dad were posted up the coast I didn't know I was a Māori.

– Kevin (Darren Young)

Key Cast & Crew

Rena Owen

As: Girlie

Ramai Hayward

As: Nan

Riwia Brown

Director, Writer

Larry Parr

Producer

Angela Heffernan

As: Mouse

Peter Kaa

As: Eddie