LAND RIGHTS AND TURF WARS

Historical photo of the real whina cooper

A Brief Commentary on the film, “Whina”
by Mountain Shadow Director, John Bennison

When I saw the U.S. premiere of “Whina” at the Mill Valley Film Festival in October, it was a month before our traditional Thanksgiving Day holiday; when the childhood story about pilgrims and native Americans harmoniously sitting down together to enjoy a feast is recalled. Later, we would learn the record in our own nation’s history was starkly different.

It is a familiar story and well-worn tale. But until I viewed this film, I was unaware of the extent to which the indigenous Mauri people of New Zealand had their own version of the consequences of empire conquest and colonization; including land grabs and the imposition of foreign religious norms.

Like any good bio-pic drama then, it’s not so much a matter of an unfamiliar plotline; but rather how well the true story of a real-life character like the fiercely-committed and imperfect Dame Whina Cooper is authentically depicted. In this case, I hope you find this film and its story as compelling and well done as I did. jb

To read an extensive filmmaker statement and production notes of the film click HERE.