Ngā Whanaunga, meaning 'relatedness' and 'connectedness', is a New Zealand short film collection showcasing local Māori and Pasifika filmmaking talant. Snow in Paradise (2011) The sun is shining and nature provides us with clear seawater for the fish, coconut for the land. The islanders live a happy, healthy life – until, far away, a fire rises. Baby Steps (2012) A man, a baby; one little step at a time. When Joe is left in charge of his baby son for the first time he must leave his past behind and prove he’s ready for fatherhood. Tatau (2012) As Siaki’s vision fails with age, memories of the painful tattooing he underwent in his youth haunt him as he yearns to see his tattoo completed before it’s too late. Whakatiki (2012) Kiri, a Māori woman painfully aware of her weight, takes a trip with family and friends to the Whakatiki River where she spent many summers as a girl. The place awakens powerful memories. Nine of Hearts (2012) Trembling with energy and a kind of hybrid Māori-Pākehā spiritual magic, this film is about the cards Gen, a Pākehā mother, has already been dealt, and the cards she is choosing to play now.  The Dump (2012) Told through the eyes of 11-year-old Utah, The Dump is a story about a boy discovering there’s more to his dad than just rubbish. Filmed in Tauraroa in Northland. The Lawnmower Men of Kapu (2011) Atawhai is a boy on the verge of manhood, and he is counting on his three uncles to help the aunties. But the uncles have a major falling out with each other. Atawhai learns a valuable lesson about family and tradition, and his place in both.

http://www.flicks.co.nz/movie/ng-whanaunga-mori-pasifika-shorts-2012/

Official website: http://www.nzff.co.nz