"This has been years in the making and sharing it with our communities is also years in the making" Director Te Arepa Kahi at the local premiere of his film 'Muru'
For many indigenous māori whānau or families who have migrated to Australia, some even born here, any New Zealand film, theatrical performance, showcase or concert we choose to attend is such a privilege. It may arrive months later, but the support shown at Muru was one where these examples were evident. Why? They reconnect us to home, they remind us who we are as a unique individual and culture and they tell the lives we once left. They too portray us.
Muru is a 2022 New Zealand action-drama film about the 2007 New Zealand police raids of the Ngāi Tūhoe community of Rūātoki. The film was based on and around when series of armed police raids conducted on the 15th and 16th of October in 2007, in response to alleged paramilitary training camps in the Urewera mountain range near the town of Ruatoki. About 300 police, including members of the Armed Offenders Squad and Special Tactics Group, were involved in the raids, which involved the execution of search warrants at numerous addresses throughout New Zealand, and the establishment of roadblocks at Ruatoki and Tāneatua. The police were investigating potential breaches of the Terrorism Suppression Act.
Writer and Director Te Arepa Kahi alongside film star Wairere Tame Iti were both present for the opening at The Palace Barracks Cinemas. Whilst Iti is a close family friend of Kahi’s father, he was the only cast present for the night and star to act as himself. He found himself talking to Director Kahi about his story which he also said was my story and everyone’s story not just his. “They can shoot you down but they can’t kill your wairua (spirit)” he said. Creating your own platform and building from there is as important as being connected everywhere. “As long as you know who you are and where you are in the world, we address the way we think. Our unique identity”
When approaching the Cinema, momentarily as I rode up the escalator, I saw the haka group preparing for the welcome, I instantly felt the warm atmosphere hit me, faces of many cultures, countless smiles from all nations excited for this time. This warmed my heart to see the sustenance of my home land before me. I asked an Australian couple if they were aware of the traditional welcome ahead. “OMG really?” They were so amazed to be a part of the evening even more and mentioned their favourite NZ film and how they always loved a good laugh.
Muru played an obvious impact on those who were present, especially the local Kiwi cohort. Opening with a full traditional powhiri or welcome to the sell-out crowd of 266 (inclusive to all), at this point the vibe was so graceful and for what was yet to come?
As both the main Actor and Director casually walked through the hundreds, I couldn’t help but stand back and watch the cameras, selfie sticks and Aunties come out by the tens all wanting to claim a nice pic with both men. Again, to feel the joy surrounding this special occasion and witness being among the presence and gratitude of all these beautiful people, the anticipation for the movie itself, let alone the traditional welcome felt pretty amazing.
Once seated, group positioned and greeted by the MC, the main guests were near ready to be welcomed on to Australian soil.
KIA RITE! (BE ALERT) commanded the male leader of the cultural group welcoming us all. He then sounded the pūtatara or conch shell to alert the arrival of our prestigious guests. The anticipation grew as silence stood still for just a short time. The intense look on Tame Iti’s face as he looked around into the crowd reviewing the foundation before him. He removed his hat in respect to us all, the innocence of a man who holds so much history to his name. You can tell by the pride of the markings adorned to his face. I sensed a proud moment for him and also one for us who were observing so prudently. He was here to share his story for the first time this film was ever screening in Australia. Yes, they chose Brisbane, Queensland and what a place to start the Muru journey.
Tihei Mauri Ora! (breath of life)
Tame Iti (centre) at the premiere.
The smiles were endless, the crowd were astounded with his attendance, with Te Arepa’s presence, together to deliver the sure message to the world that Muru was “not” to recreate the events held in 2007 but rather to ensure that they “never” happen again.
For the Palace Barracks Cinemas this was definitely a one-off with a traditional welcome. For most guests who have never experienced a thrilling welcome as such, organisers were very happy with the turn out so much they had to move it to a larger theatre.
During the movie, the crowd interacted well with the mood and emotions the timeline took us on. There was laughter, applauding, cheering also anger amongst the mixed feelings in some parts too. Near the end, the crowd were overly excited if not heightened with enthusiasm and you can always trust true, kiwi humour with the one liner’s even from our elderly actors on set. “Truly remarkable,” was one comment I overheard. I particularly loved the character played by Rusty. A troublesome teenager who was shot by an Officer seen as a Terrorist. This played a major impact on me as I work with disengaged teens in my line of work and also growing up with family having gone through similar situations and also accused of wrong doings definitely hit home for me.
Director and Writer Kahi said Muru was created into a response and as a preventative measure to ensure the ongoing safety of the Tuhoe communities was to ensure this never happens again. He said that tonight had been the ‘best night ever’.
I asked with so many māori whanau living away from home, how important was it to him to bring Muru here to Australia and to the world? Kahi said his commitment to being around Papa Tame and supporting Tame by bringing in the right cast to tell the story in its fullest potential was also a commitment to sharing this with whānau wherever that may be. “Having the opportunity to share it to Tuhoe, to the world and get across here has been important for all of us. Being here and representing all the cast that couldn’t make it, and being here with Papa Tame to support him, it’s with full clarity and understanding of what support really looks like. This wasn’t a smash and grab little easy hit, shoot it today, show it tomorrow. This has been years in the making and sharing it with our communities is also years in the making. So, we are fully committed, eyes wide open full commitment” he said. I finally asked Kahi what inspired him to write film and if it was easy for him? “What I’ve seen over the past few weeks in Toronto, Busan and here is an understanding of where our people are now as opposed of getting locked into the funding jigsaw that exists back home. Cause its where you put your focus and if you focus on jigsaw its all you see, but if you focus on where your people are then it unlocks you and know what our people need and what they respond to. It’s been a powerful experience so I see a lot clearer now”
Kahi and his crew have since travelled to Melbourne with yet another full-on schedule before moving to Sydney then to Perth. You can catch Muru is in a cinema near you.
Look out for more opportunity to see live traditional performances connected to New Zealand films in the future, because this will not be the last one.
Muru premiered at the Palace Barracks Cinema on 6 October 2022 and currently has a limited release in cinemas around Australia.
