Turangawaewae / A Place to Stand

Overview

• Format: Short Film
• Release Year: 2003
• Maturity Rating: M (Mature)
• Director: Peter Burger
• Writer: Wiremu Grace
• Producer: Catherine Fitzgerald
• Production Company: Blueskin Films
• Source: New Zealand Film Commission
• Executive Producers: John Gilbert and Mike Smith of Big House Productions

Plot Summary

• The film follows Tiare, a Vietnam War veteran played by Wi Kuki Kaa.
• Tiare struggles with displacement due to his war experiences and homelessness, wandering city streets.
• His daughter, played by Nancy Brunning, and granddaughter attempt to reconnect with him and encourage a visit to his ancestral home.
• The story centers around themes of finding one's turangawaewae, or "place to stand," and the importance of family (whanau) in this journey.
• The film was selected for Critics' Week at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.

Key Cast

• Wi Kuki Kaa: Tiare, the protagonist.
• Nancy Brunning: Tiare’s daughter.
• Greg Matetaka: Young Tiare
• Sydney Larkins: Hineata

Themes and Tags

• Themes of homelessness, war veterans, and the search for identity and belonging.
• Explores Maori culture, particularly the concept of turangawaewae.
• Tags include cannes, homeless, koro (elder), marae (Maori meeting ground), and returned services association.

Awards and Recognition

• Selected for Critics' Week at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.

Related Works and Further Viewing

• Part of collections such as the NZ Short Film Collection and Anzac Day Collection.
• Directed and produced works by the same team include "The Tattooist," "Until Proven Innocent," and "Fish Skin Suit."

Additional Resources

• NZ Film Commission Page: More Information
• Related Interviews: Featuring director Peter Burger and actor Wi Kuki Kaa.

Notable Productions

• The film acknowledges production in association with Oktobor and the New Zealand Film Commission's Short Film Fund.

Key Visuals

• The film's promotional images and videos are available on the NZ On Screen website.

Social Media and Sharing

• Available to share on Facebook and Twitter, with options to embed videos into websites.

Conclusion

"Turangawaewae / A Place to Stand" is a poignant short film that addresses serious themes of identity, belonging, and the impacts of war on individuals and families, encapsulating the Maori cultural values and traditions.