The rhetoric surrounding this coming-of-age documentary is weighty, pitching the life of young Otaki/Hastings schoolboy Ngaa Rauuira Pumanawawhiti as one of historical significance – even comparing the film to the notion of having followed a teenage Obama around with a camera. Obama went to Harvard. Ngaa Rauuira is off to summer school at Yale University and also has political ambitions. His whanau would clearly love him to be a groundbreaker and become New Zealand’s first Maori prime minister. More
In Ngaa Rauuira’s own words, director Pietra Brettkelly has picked up his story in a critical year. “It will determine what type of adult I’ll grow to become,” he says.
Yale is the destination but Brettkelly has craftily not made the hallowed Ivy League halls the focus of this documentary. What’s more interesting, and more rewarding, is having access to the family and friends of this gifted Maori boy. With gentle interviewing and some beautiful camera work, Brettkelly reveals the deep cultural roots shaping this young man’s future. It gives a view of life in New Zealand that is too often overshadowed by the grim statistics of Maori youth we see in the headlines. Every politician, redneck talkback caller and everyday New Zealander should watch this film.
The documentary screened at last year’s New Zealand International Film Festival and has shown at Berlin, Sydney and other festivals around the world. It deserves its cinema release but is a shame it’s been such a long time coming. Some scenes, such as Ngaa Rauuira’s involvement in the foreshore and seabed protest, date the documentary. Ngaa Rauuira is now 19. Whether he lives up to the grand expectations or buckles under the pressure, he’s such a magnetic character that I’m already hanging out for the sequel. Hide
Wow. Looks like an amazing story...
Total amaze! Look forward to seeing the movie and Ngaa's future!
Hopefully channels it in the right direction to lift his people, not just blame the white man and they must pay
This looks like a total must see.
agree with Geoff
How would you as a pakeha know what the "right way" is for Maori Geoff? Don't be so arrogant.
looks good what a future
Definitely not a boy anymore. I look forward to seeing the difference he will make in our country.
Tu Meke!
If anyone's wondering, this has virtually screened on the Maori Channel during the beginning of this year.
I'm told it was part of a multi-part series. I was initially expecting it to be on TVONE, but it wasn't.
Wrong way to change the world - using more aggression and inciting more division. But that's what politics will teach you.
If anyone missed it you can watch on Maori TV - Pakipumeka. Leila and Geoff you both sound ruffled I can tell what kind of people you are
Thanks for posting everyone! Leila and Geoff, look forward to you both leading by example, keep us posted
Hey you fullas, Maori Tv commissioned my brothers doco who else.
Inspiring. Watched this doco yesterday and have been thinking about it since. What a wonderful example of motivation and empowerment!
the is the worst uninspiring story ive ever seen, the interview he gave with jt and willy was enough 4 me
dumb
he will make no difference and is by far no genius
prime minister? yeah right
Rawe!
Puts butterflys in my stomach. Potential! Saviour? Redeemer! :)
Everyone seems to forget that this is a movie site ... not a political one.
awks whats with the negative comments? i think hes amazing and a good example for the younger generation?
them negative peeps, bro keep ya ugly negative comments to yourself, props to him, hes full of potential& probs lead nz 1 day :-)
Great for going to Yale - but he's not going to a PM with that attitude. In fact this doco is the kiss of death
sounds interesting cant wait to watch
I'll have 3 tickets please.
It would be great if he lead NZ. But i dont thing that would happen because he's Maori. :(
He shouldn't forget white people need saving from National too. If he is just leads "his" people, he'll be doomed before he starts.
If the movie is the quality of the editing it will be a dismal failure... Tripple x spelt with two Ts!!
I saw this on Maori TV. I was impressed by his maturity. Particularly his comments about his own changing, evolving opinions..
S hit Aussie crap