Lifting of the Makutu

June Miru's first child died soon after his birth in 1963. All four of her surviving daughters went on to give birth to sons with the same deformities, all of whom died soon after birth. Award-winning documentary Lifting of the Makutu explores the relationship between the Miru/Tito whanāu and Stephen Robertson, a paediatrician and geneticist who worked doggedly for seven years to give the family a scientific answer as to why seven baby boys died. June, along with daughters Phyllis, Karen, Shona and Noki-Jane discuss years of grief, and June's dread about a 'makutu' or Māori curse hanging over the whanāu.

...that's the challenge, finding a spelling mistake in a very thick book.

– Dr Stephen Robertson describes the work of genetic investigation

Key Cast & Crew

Renaud Maire

Cinematographer

David Long

Composer

Jude Callen

Network Executive

Simon Shazell

Sound Mix

Andy Bean

Editor

Peta Carey

Director, Producer