Production Begins on Maori Gothic Horror Film ‘Marama’
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Loading... - reuben emily
- 04 Oct 2024
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Production has begun on Marama, a gothic horror film from Māori writer-director Taratoa Stappard, in New Zealand. Set in North Yorkshire, England, in 1859, the film tells the story of a young Māori woman named Marama, who struggles to reclaim her identity and indigenous culture in Victorian-era Britain. The lead role is played by Māori actor Ariana Osborne, alongside British actor Toby Stephens.
The film, currently being shot around Auckland and the South Island’s Otago region, features a mix of Māori and international cast members, including Umi Myers, Erroll Shand, and Jordan Mooney. Marama is produced by Sharlene George, co-CEO of The Sweetshop, alongside Rickylee Russell-Waipuka and others.
The project has received backing from several organizations, including the New Zealand Film Commission and international festivals like TIFF and Berlinale. The film will be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Vendetta Films, while MPI International will handle global rights.
Taratoa Stappard describes the film as a bold blend of gothic horror with Māori cultural themes, stating that Marama will be "confronting, bloody, and entirely unique." This marks a significant step in forging a new genre: Māori gothic horror.
