A Tauranga film project has been stirring excitement and pride within the local community.

Directed by writer-director and executive producer Mana Hira Davis, and produced by Eddie Page Productions, the short film ‘Pākehā’ is bringing a deeply personal story to the screen.

Inspired by Davis’ own experiences, the film explores the journey of a young Pākehā woman in the 1980s who learns te reo Māori while facing her own personal struggles.

The film touches on themes of cultural reconciliation, mental health, and the healing power of aroha, offering a glimpse into the challenges of a pivotal time for te reo Māori.

Writer-director Mana Hira Davis. Photo / Supplied

Davis, whose mother’s experiences form the basis of the story, said the idea for the film came to him after attending the 2023 Rotorua Film Festival where he watched indigenous short films from Australia and New Zealand.

Mother’s journey

“The powerful stories about the effects of colonisation resonated deeply with me,” Davis said.

“The story of my own upbringing kept coming to mind, moving me so much that I had to leave the main theatre, ducked into the foyer and began writing about my mother’s journey and her experience with learning te reo Māori as a Pākehā, in the early-1980s.”

Mana Hira Davis directing the film Pākehā. Photo/Theresa Barnes.

Davis, well-known for his stunt work and acting roles in over 40 films and television series such as King Kong (2005), Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) and The Meg (2018), had been looking forward to directing.

He said the characters in Pākehā are based on the images and feelings he had as a young boy.

“My hope with this film is to show the beauty and resurgence of te reo Māori in the 1980s,” said Davis. “It was an exciting yet intimidating time for many to learn or relearn their native language. I want this film to remind us that love connects us to everything.”

Actors rehearsing for Pākehā. Photo / Supplied

Deeply personal

‘Pākehā’ delves into the experiences of a Pākehā mother navigating the classroom in the 1980s as part of her own journey to connect with her European roots, said Davis.

He described the film as a deeply personal project, reflecting both his mother’s struggles and the broader cultural shifts of the era.

The world is richly textured with the sights and sounds of this era, blending Māori culture with the pervasive influence of Western society, said Davis

“‘Pākehā’ is about healing the hurt. It’s about letting go the idea of race and celebrating ourselves as human beings, uniting us all as children of Papatūānuku [the land] and Ranginui [the sky].”

The crew of Pākehā outside the house used in the film. Photo: Theresa Barnes.

The film is being produced by Eddie Page Productions, a Tauranga-based production company founded by Larissa Allen, Sarah Oemcke, and Melissa Mae.

Allen said Davis and the company are dedicated to nurturing local talent, fostering a vibrant screen industry, and creating opportunities for filmmakers to thrive in their own communities.

One of the crew, Taika Davis, holding the clapperboard. Photo: Theresa Barnes.

“We have a team of 28 crew members, 12 cast members, and seven rangatahi mentees – all from the Bay of Plenty. These young people are gaining hands-on experience from local mentors in various areas of filmmaking, including production, art direction, and camera work. It’s an exciting opportunity to share knowledge and build up the next generation of filmmakers.”

Community support

With 50% of the film self-funded by Davis, further backing was needed to make the film a reality. “Even in a tough climate, it was truly heart-warming to receive so much community support and koha. It just confirms that this is a story that many can relate to and one that needs to be told,” Allen said.

Support for the project has been bolstered by help from Boosted Moana, ImageZone, which sponsored camera equipment, and Film Bay of Plenty and the Western Bay of Plenty Creative Communities Scheme which provided funding for the rangatahi mentorships.

Eight of the main cast for Pākehā. Photo / Supplied

However, the filmmakers still needed community support to complete the project. Through a community-led crowdfunding campaign on Boosted, they successfully raised more than $9000 to cover cast, crew and catering costs for the two-day shoot and essential production expenses.

Boosted Campaigns enable the community to contribute in any way they can with funds raised going directly back into the community for hiring local crew, using local equipment, and supporting the mentorship programme for young filmmakers in Tauranga.

Davis said additional funding will enable professional post-production work and support the film’s entry into national and international festivals.

With the passion and dedication of the local team, ‘Pākehā’ is set to be more than just a film - it’s a celebration of love, language and community, and Davis feels it is a timely story.

“The story is about love and how it can connect and heal us if we want it to,” Davis said, emphasising that the story’s focus on the word ‘Pākehā’ aims to spark positive conversations and contribute to growth and healing.