Multi award winning A-list actor
Leonardo DiCaprio seized the moment
during his acceptance speech
at the Golden Globe Awards last night
to advocate for representation of indigenous peoples in film.
It's a plug welcomed by Nga Aho Whakaari
who say it's time for Maori to step up and take the lead
in ensuring integrity of Maori protocols being maintained
in New Zealand film making.
Peata Melbourne with this report.
Hollywood has a history of exploiting indigenous peoples,
not just of their land, but from around the world.
Mega-film star Leonardo DiCaprio accepting his award last night
for his movie The Revenant wants to change that.
A sentiment striking a chord in New Zealand
with Maori in the film industry.
The time has come for Maori to use film to tell our stories.
Stereotypes in film and TV raise allegations of racism.
While it's improved over the years
both in Hollywood and in the NZ film scene,
local film bunnies say there's still much work to do.
Toa Fraser's Deadlands came up against criticism
where non-Maori speakers were cast.
Other films made by non-Maori however maintain integrity
in portrayal of Maori in film.
Aho Whakaari says while the stories are fictional,
the culture they're based in isn't fictional.
If we look at those in the industry, we'll find that they're ignorant
of our customs and traditions, our marae, our language,
and they continue to undermine our language.
That is why we continue to be oppressed and misunderstood.
DiCaprio's speech not exactly a revelation,
but it's certainly got the wheels spinning once again
on the band wagon of Maori making Maori films.
A small request from this huge megastar of Hollywood.
Peata Melbourne, Te Karere.