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Deep Dive: Making Utu (1983)

Film Lens

Making Utu
Making Utu is a documentary that provides an inside look at the production of New Zealand's first epic film, Utu, released in 1983. The documentary captures the challenges faced by the filmmakers, including limited financial resources and the need to navigate cultural protocols respectfully. Merata Mita, a key figure in the film, discusses the complexities of inter-cultural conflict that arose during the making of Utu. The film runs for 48 minutes and offers viewers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the creative process and the cultural considerations that shaped the film. It emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural narratives while creating cinematic art, showcasing the dedication of the cast and crew in bringing the story to life.

Why Watch

  • See the making of New Zealand's first epic film, Utu.
  • Meet Merata Mita and hear her insights on cultural issues.
  • Find out how filmmakers navigated financial constraints.

Did You Know

Utu is New Zealand's first epic film, released in 1983.
The documentary has a runtime of 48 minutes.
Merata Mita discusses inter-cultural conflict in the film.

Perfect For

New Zealand cinemaCultural studiesFilm production enthusiasts