The Raglan Film Festival opened on Thursday night to a great start with a full house for the world premiere screening of Te Kumara.
This beautifully crafted documentary about the traditional ways of growing and storing kumara was enthusiastically received by the audience. Produced by Whaingaroa’s own Te Mauri Tau it covers the path of the kumara from the seed bed to the storage pit.
After Arts Council Chairperson Rodger Gallagher welcomed the audience to the 3rd Raglan Film Festival, kaumatua Sean Ellison blessed the Film Festival and the screening. Ruth Port then introduced Tuihana Bosch who explained the making of the film and its purpose. Many people stayed on after the screening for a discussion.
Te Kumara is produced in te reo Maori with English subtitles. It is a nominee in this year’s Raglan Arts Film Festival Awards (RAFFA). A longer version entirely in Te Reo has also been produced. The documentary will be used as part of the Enviroschools programme through New Zealand.