For Māori, the canoe underpins our culture. We once built waka/canoes from giant trees and sailed the vast Pacific by the stars.  These arts were lost to us for 600 years. Then the stars re-aligned and three men from far flung islands revived our place as the greatest navigators on the planet, a Hawaiian, a Micronesian and Hek Busby, “The Chief” from Aotearoa/New Zealand. 

Whetū Mārama: Bright Star is the story of Sir Hekenukumai Ngaiwi Puhipi, aka Hek Busby, and his significance for Māori in rekindling their wayfinding DNA and for all New Zealanders in reclaiming our place as traditional star voyagers on the world map.  

SHOWING AT THESE
NZ CINEMAS:

From 24 June
Cinema Kororareka, Russell
Rialto Cinemas Newmarket, Auckland
Regent Theatre, Te Awamutu
Dome Cinema, Gisborne
Rialto Cinemas Dunedin, Dunedin

From 25 June
The Capitol Cinema, Auckland

From 30 June
Whangarei Film Society, Whangarei
The Gecko, Motueka

From 01 July
The Vic, Auckland
Light House Cinema Cuba, Wellington - w/ Filmmaker Q&A
Regent Theatre, Hokitika
Lumière Cinemas, Christchurch

From 02 July
Raglan Old School Arts Centre, Raglan - w/ Filmmaker Q&A - 17 July

From 03 July
Maoriland Film Festival - Otaki Memorial Hall, Otaki

From 04 July
Matakana Cinemas, Matakana - w/ Filmmaker Q&A

From 06 July
Te Ahu, Kaitaia - w/ Filmmaker Q&A

From 07 July
WhakaMax Movies, Whakatane
Basement Cinema, Rotorua
Odeon, Gisborne
Embassy 3, Whanganui
The Screening Room, Masterton
Light House Cinema Pauatahanui, Wellington
Light House Cinema Petone, Wellington
State Cinemas, Nelson

From 08 July
Mercury Twin Cinemas, Whitianga - w/ Filmmaker Q&A
Rialto Tauranga, Tauranga - w/ Filmmaker Q&A 

From 13 July
Flicks at Lopdell, Titirangi - w/ Filmmaker Q&A

From 14 July
Len Lye Centre Cinema, New Plymouth - w/ Filmmaker Q&A - 16 July

From 21 July
The Village Theatre Society Inc., Takaka

From 28 July
Cathay Cinemas, Kerikeri

Dates TBC
ANZAC Theatre, Dargaville
Hawkins Theatre, Papakura