Desperately fighting to save indigenous land from development, Pania Newton leads a determined collective of protectors in the fight for Ihumātao.
Set behind the front lines at Ihumātao, Mana Wahine captures intimate access to SOUL co-leader, Pania Newton, in the weeks leading up to what is becoming New Zealand's most disputed indigenous land occupation.
As the magnitude of the fight ahead and pressures placed on her become all too real, Pania lays bare her personal struggles to find the strength to lead. As the cultural and political unrest reaches breaking point, Mana Wahine provides unique insight into an indigenous issue resonating around the world.
Mana Wahine is part of a collection of eight Loading Docs short documentaries.The full collection of shorts will be released on 29 August 2019.
Pania Newton speaks to tamariki at Ihumātao. Photo: Loading Docs
Director: Corinna Hunziker
Corinna Hunziker (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) is a driven and gifted indigenous storyteller deeply committed to empowering minorities to have their voices heard. Her work is proof that storytelling plays a vital role in sharing knowledge across borders, communities and generations.
Corinna has been directing for five years, most notably on THREE's cultural diversity series, Both Worlds, providing a platform for minority youth to share their lives and experiences, and has recently held the trainee director position on the upcoming TVOne drama feature film Runaway Millionaires shadowing experienced director Danny Mulheron.
Producer: Mia Henry-Teirney
Mia Henry-Teirney (Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Te Rārawa, Ngāti Kuri) is a Māori producer that has produced short film My Brother Mitchell, series one of Baby Mama's Club, and was the intern producer on Mahana. Mia is passionate about sharing indigenous stories with global audiences, and has worked as a production manager and coordinator on various local and international productions.
