In 2019 Storybox produced the first Mana Moana event, a collaboration with curators Rachael Rakena and Mike Bridgman, beginning the Mana Moana Collective. Mana Moana 2019 was a collection of five audio-visual works presented on a water screen at Whairepo Lagoon in Wellington as part of Matariki celebrations in 2019. At the time we had taken the opportunity to interview some of the incredible artists involved, but these interviews had set aside, waiting for a spare moment.
Cue level 4 lockdown. We found ourselves with some time on our hands and with some funding from Whakaata Māori we took the opportunity to create a series of four short documentaries about the artists and their work which are now live on Māori Television on demand.
Mana Moana is a collection of five audio-visual works presented on a water screen at Whairepo Lagoon in Wellington as part of Matariki celebrations in 2019. Visual artists Rachael Rakena and Mike Bridgman introduce the Mana Moana project, the curation & creation process.
Poet and wahine art-activists Dayle Takitimu, Michelle Ngamoki and Tina Ngata talk about writing and collaborating with legendary Māori artist Robyn Kahukiwa’s paintings.
Artists Rachael Rakena, Johnson Witehira and Mike Bridgman talk about bringing visuals to the powerful poetry of award winning Pasifika poet Dr Karlo Mila.
Internationally recognised Illustrator & artist Johnson Witehira and legendary musician Warren Maxwell talk about their roles across various projects in Mana Moana.
MANA MOANA VOL. 1
Curated by Rachael Rakena and Michael Bridgman
Produced by Storybox – Robert Appierdo and Andrew Croot
Made possible by Creative New Zealand, Wellington City Council, and Massey University College of Creative Arts – Toi Rauwhārangi
MANA MOANA VOL. 1 ARTWORKS
Ki Utu Ki Tai
Louise Potiki Bryant, Paddy Free, James Webster, Matt Gillanders, Rosie Tapsell, Rona Ngahuia Osbourne
A Call to Kāinga
Karlo Mila, Michael Bridgeman, Johnson Witehira, Warren Maxwell
Ka Rāranga Wai
Robyn Kahukiwa, TIna Ngata, Dayle Takitimu, Michelle Ngamoki, Johnson Witehira, Warren Maxwell
Collapsed Worlds
Johnson Witehira, Rio Hemepo-Hunuki
Ka Puna Te Wai, Ko Te Kāwai Puna
Rachael Rakena, Afuha’ Amango, Fuekafa, Lupe Fisilau, Namomo Schaaf, Dion O’Connor
Credits
Director – Jess Feast
Producer – Ruth Korver
Camera – Mike Pottom
Editors – Jess Feast and Mike Potton
Sound Mix, Colour and Online – Mike Potton
Network Executive – Lanita Ririnui
