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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 is based on my experience as a young boy growing up in a small place that is full of tensions between Māori and Pākehā, in this case a comedic one — it's a hardcase story ... I was looking at the power of suggestion and purpose in Māori people.– Witi Ihimaera, who wrote the original 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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