I Am the River

Television (Full Length) – 2010

After the passing of a family member, the Bell family discovered a selection of late 19th century photographs tucked away in a closet. Taken by a man named William Partington, the photos documented local Māori around the Whanganui River area, and were subsequently of incredible cultural and financial value. The owners of the photographs opted to sell them at auction. Local iwi on the other hand, felt it important that their whakapapa returned home. Winner of an Aotearoa TV Award, this documentary tells the story of finding compromise when dealing with precious taonga.

I just didn't want my kuia to be hanging somewhere in New Zealand, somewhere in another part of the world, with somebody that she never knew.
– Ngahina Gardiner of iwi Ngā Wairiki