Congratulations to WIFT member Anna Marbrook whose feature length film Te Mana o te Moana - The Pacific Voyagers won a world medal at the New York Film and Television awards in Las Vegas last week.
Produced by Heather Lee with Oceanic Nature Film Productions and Zoomslide, the film scooped a prize in the new documentary category of climate change and sustainability.
Te Mana o te Moana The Pacific Voyagers traces the epic two year voyage of 7 ocean going 72 foot waka as they traverse the Pacific Ocean, reviving the sailing and navigational brilliance of their ancestors. Voyaging brings the 150 strong crew close to the plight of their fragile home, the Pacific Ocean.
Anna Marbrook said:
"This film gives a voice to the people of the Pacific Ocean who live on some of the
smallest islands on the planet yet face the greatest effects of climate change. This
award is dedicated to the 150 courageous individuals and their families who
spent two years of their life sailing the Pacific following the stars, the currents, their
hearts, determined to create a powerful and sustainable future."
Te Mana o te Moana The Pacific Voyagers was conceived and financed by
Visionary German philanthropist Dieter Pullman. He built seven ocean going waka
powered by the sun and wind, equipped with solar panels and electric engines, used
only when becalmed or landing - completely fossil fuel free. Crews were trained in
traditional wayfinding and vital knowledge was transmitted to the next generation.
Two years of preparation, two years of sailing and thousands of hours of footage later
Anna Marbrook with Zoomslide and Oceanic Nature Film Productions completed
the film.
This is a significant success for the producers, the crew and the lineage of Polynesian voyagers this project represents. They received the award alongside some of the largest American, Asian and European media companies.
Anna's series Real Pasifik also was a finalist in the awards (currently screening on Maori Television) and it received a finalist certificate.
Let's celebrate the success of another woman in film - and we hope this inspires other members to continue their amazing work.