Let My Whakapapa Speak
2008, New Zealand, 77 min, Digital Beta, Maori and English, Canada Premiere
Director: Tainui Stephens
Presented as part of:
Let My Whakapapa Speak
Oct 16 2008, 1:00PM
Al Green Theatre
Let My Whakapapa Speak follows the life and times of Iritana Te Rangi Tawhiwhirangi, an extraordinary woman who emerged in the post-war era in New Zealand as one of the leaders behind the ground-breaking Kohanga Reo Maori language revitalization movement. Kohanga Reo is based on the simple but powerful principle of total immersion in Maori language and values. Twenty-five years later, the effects of this program have been profound – children can now grow up and do all of their schooling in the Te Reo Maori language. The program’s success has inspired and attracted the attention of of international groups. This insightful documentary chronicles the early days struggles of the burgeoning movement and presents an inspiring portrait of an uncompromising woman on the forefront of change.
Tainui Stephens is a producer and director whose recent work includes co-producing Vincent Ward’s features films River Queen and Rain of the Children and directing Maori Television’s highly successful Anzac Day broadcasts NaRatou Mo Tatou. Stephens is also a Board Member of the New Zealand Film Commission.
