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

Directed by writer-director 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 mother in the 1980s who learns te reo Māori to help her son connect with his Māori heritage 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, shared that 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.

“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 living with her husband’s mental illness and her experience with learning te reo Māori as a Pākehā, in the early 1980s.”

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), is 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

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 Māori roots.

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

“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 Papatuanuku and Ranginui.”

The film is being produced by Eddie Page Productions, a Tauranga-based production company founded by Larissa Allen, Sarah Oemcke, and Melissa Mae. The company is dedicated to nurturing local talent, fostering a vibrant screen industry, and creating opportunities for filmmakers to thrive in their own communities.

“We have a team of 28 crew members, 12 cast members, and seven rangatahi mentees, all from the Bay of Plenty,” said Allen. “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.”

Support for the project has been bolstered by local partners like ImageZone, which has sponsored the camera equipment, and the Western Bay of Plenty Creative Communities Scheme, which has provided funding for the rangatahi mentorships.

Eight of the main cast for Pākehā. Photo / Supplied

However, the filmmakers still need community support to complete the project. Through a community-led crowdfunding campaign on Boosted, they are aiming to raise $9000 to cover catering costs for the two-day shoot in early December and post-production expenses.

The Boosted Campaign, launched on November 15, invites the community to contribute in any way they can.

“Your financial support will help us make the best film possible, while also supporting the local economy,” said Allen. “The funds will go directly back into the community, hiring local crew, using local equipment, and supporting the mentorship programme for young filmmakers in Tauranga.”

In addition to funding, the filmmakers are seeking supporters to help spread the word. Every dollar and every share will help bring the film closer to completion and celebrate the beauty of te reo Māori. Those who contribute will receive a special thank-you in the credits, and businesses can even feature their logos.

To support Pākehā and learn more about the project, visit the Boosted Campaign page.

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. 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.