Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen Poster

Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen 2019

★ 6.77 votes88 min📅 2019-01-28

Dive into the moving world of *Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen* (2019), Hepi Mita's deeply personal documentary that pieces together the extraordinary life of his mother, Merata Mita, through rare archival footage and candid family recollections.

Director: Hepi Mita

Cast

Merata Mita
Merata Mita
Self (archive footage)
Hepi Mita
Self - Narrator (voice)
Rafer Rautjoki
Self
Richard Rautjoki
Self
Rhys Rautjoki
Self
Awatea Mita
Self
Eruera Mita
Self
Alanis Obomsawin
Alanis Obomsawin
Self
Jesse Wente
Self
C.M. Kaliko Baker
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen* (2019) about?

This documentary peels back the layers of Merata Mita's life and career, revealing the woman behind the iconic filmmaker through the eyes of her children. Archival footage, much of it unseen until now, brings her journey to life, blending personal grief with professional triumphs.

Who directed *Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen*?

Hepi Mita, Merata's youngest son, helmed this intimate portrait, weaving family history with cinematic storytelling.

Who stars in *Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen*?

The film features Merata Mita herself, alongside her children Hepi Mita, Rafer Rautjoki, Richard Rautjoki, Rhys Rautjoki, and Awatea Mita.

Is *Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen* (2019) worth watching?

As a documentary that merges personal and cultural history, it's a standout in its genre. While IMDb ratings aren't available, its themes of resilience and representation make it a compelling watch for anyone interested in cinema's power to challenge norms.

How long is *Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen*?

The film runs for 88 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen (2019) — A Documentary Tribute to a Cinema Pioneer

Dive into the moving world of *Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen* (2019), Hepi Mita's deeply personal documentary that pieces together the extraordinary life of his mother, Merata Mita, through rare archival footage and candid family recollections. This 88-minute journey isn't just a tribute—it's a revelation, uncovering the visionary filmmaker and activist Merata was before the world knew her name. Hepi's intimate lens transforms personal loss into a celebration of resilience, as unseen moments and unheard stories paint a portrait of a woman who reshaped cinema and culture.

Through Merata's own words and the memories of her children—Hepi, Rafer, Richard, Rhys, and Awatea—this film explores themes of decolonization, identity, and the power of storytelling. With a tone that's both reverent and raw, it captures the spirit of a trailblazer who fought for Indigenous representation on screen, leaving an indelible mark on New Zealand's film industry. Whether you're a cinephile or a history lover, *Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen* offers a poignant, eye-opening experience.