AUCKLAND, Today: Just in time for Matariki, KŌKĀ is lighting up more than 100 cinemas across Aotearoa, bringing a powerful te reo Māori story to the big screen.
It’s the debut feature from Kath Akuhata-Brown and tells a deeply emotional tale woven with Māori language, tradition, and connection—all under the guiding stars of Matariki.
Set against breathtaking Aotearoa landscapes, KŌKĀ follows kuia Hamo (Hinetu Dell), the troubled Jo (Darneen Christian), and Marcus (Te Kohe Tuhaka), whose journey becomes a metaphor for healing, reconciliation, and whakapapa.
“With KŌKĀ, I wanted to create a story that honours our ancestors and our language while showing that healing is possible when we come together under the stars of Matariki,” says Kath Akuhata-Brown, Director.
“With KŌKĀ, I wanted to create a story that honours our ancestors and our language while showing that healing is possible when we come together under the stars of Matariki.” – Kath Akuhata-Brown
The film is told entirely in the original Ngāti Porou dialect—the first feature to do so—with support from language and tikanga experts to ensure every detail stays true.
“Playing kuia Hamo was deeply moving. Her strength and vulnerability mirror the spirit of Matariki—guiding light in the darkness. I hope audiences feel the mana of our language and culture shining through every scene,” says Hinetu Dell, Lead Actress.
KŌKĀ launches this weekend nationwide and offers more than just a story—it’s a celebration of te ao Māori and a reflection of the season’s themes: remembrance, renewal, and reconnection.
The film was funded by the NZ Film Commission’s He Pounamu te reo Māori Feature Film Fund and will be distributed by STUDIOCANAL in New Zealand and Australia.
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