Aho Shorts 2024 Winners

This year's Aho Shorts will see the organisation supporting five exceptional films, set to premiere at the prestigious Rotorua Indigenous Film Festival (RIFF) from November 15th to 17th, 2024. This marks a significant milestone in the organisations ongoing commitment to nurturing and promoting Māori talent within the film industry.

“Ko tātou tēnei e whai nei ki te whakamana, ki te whakatika, ki te whakanuia hoki i te ao kiriata,”

said Lanita Ririnui, Raukura at Ngā Aho Whakaari (NAW) & EP Aho Shorts.  

"We are thrilled to see the incredible creativity in our Māori filmmaking community. The applicants & their commitment to Māori in Screen is a positive reflection of the legacy and our dedicated connections.”

The selection process, overseen by a panel of alumni & esteemed industry professionals, noted themes of resilience, identity, and the ever-evolving Māori worldview in submissions. From contemporary narratives to nostalgic reflections, each chosen project promises to captivate audiences with its unique perspective and artistic vision.

"Through our collaborative efforts with Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga, Te Māngai Pāho, and Irirangi Te Motu, we aim to empower our filmmakers and bring their stories to life on the world stage,” she concludes.

With matchfit development sessions scheduled as part of support from Ngā Aho Whakaari, winners join an alumni of Māori success in film. The organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to providing ongoing support and guidance to ensure the success of every project.

Ngā Aho Whakaari is also excited to announce Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa (RNZ) and Whakaata Māori as broadcast platform partners.  

The team looks forward to supporting dedicated talent and welcoming everyone into the Aho Shorts legacy of elevating Māori storytelling on the big screen.

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Congratulations to our 2024 Aho Shorts Winners:

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Tērā Te Tangata

Caravan Carpark Films

Producer: Angela Cudd

Writer & Director: Te Kuru Dewes

Kaitiaki Reo & Tikanga Māori: Hēmi Kelly

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Hokia‍

Caravan Carpark Films

Producer: Angela Cudd

Writer: Caitlin Fremaux

Director: IndiaFremaux

Kaitiaki Reo & Tikanga Māori: Savannah Wharehinga

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Rapido

Miro Productions Ltd

Producer: Lea McLean

Writer & Director: Richard Curtis

Kaitiaki Reo & Tikanga Māori: Tihini Grant

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Wait Wait, Now

Lucky Legs Media Ltd

Producer: Nicola Smith

Writer & Director: Ramon Te Wake

Kaitiaki Reo & Tikanga Māori: Grayson Goffe

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Puti

Glorious Ltd

Producer: Louisa Tipene Opetaia

Writer & Director: Aroha Awarau

Kaitiaki Reo & Tikanga Māori: Eruera Wilton

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