Award-winning film to screen at Matariki alumni event

A short film made by two Massey graduates, that this week won an international award, is to be shown at a Mäori alumni event on the Manawatu campus on Monday evening.

Warbrick, written and directed by brothers and Massey graduates Meihana and Pere Durie, has picked up its first international award, the Teueikan prize, at the Montreal First People’s Film Festival in Canada.

It is based on Joe Warbrick and the 1888 New Zealand Natives Rugby Tour of Great Britain and will be shown to an audience including other Mäori graduates from the region, University staff and local government, community and business people.

The brothers’ parents Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Mason Durie and recently retired Professor Arohia Durie will also be attending the event. Sir Mason and Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey are the guest speakers.

The event at 5.30-7.30pm is being held at the Student Cafeteria and has been timed to coincide with Matariki (Mäori New Year), traditionally a time of reflection and planning.

The brothers both appear in the film. Meihana, from Palmerston North, has a Bachelor of Education and is completing a PhD in Mäori Studies while lecturing at Te Wänanga o Raukawa in Otaki. Pere, from Tauranga, has a Bachelor of Arts in media studies and communications and teaches at Tauranga Boys’ College.