Film Lens
Patu! is a 1983 documentary directed by Merata Mita that focuses on the 1981 Springbok tour of New Zealand and the protests surrounding it. The film captures the intense conflict between police and protesters, reflecting the deep divisions in New Zealand society regarding the tour. It presents an anti-tour perspective, linking the protests against South African apartheid to issues of racial discrimination within New Zealand itself.
The documentary was initially intended as a 25-minute piece for TVNZ but evolved into a full-length film due to its sensitive political content. Mita faced challenges during production, including police harassment and difficulties in editing. The film premiered at the 1983 Wellington Film Festival and was not broadcast on New Zealand television until 1991, marking its significance in the context of New Zealand's cultural and political landscape.
Why Watch
- •See the protests against the 1981 Springbok tour unfold.
- •Meet Merata Mita, a pioneer of indigenous filmmaking.
- •Find out how rugby divided New Zealand's national identity.
Did You Know
•The film had a budget of $41,000 funded by various New Zealand organizations.
•Patu! premiered at the 1983 Wellington Film Festival to a standing ovation.
•The editing process took two years due to various complications.
•Fifteen camera operators and thirteen sound recordists worked on the film.
Perfect For
Activist filmmakingNew Zealand historyRugby culture