STUDIOCANAL New Zealand in association with Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) have revealed the trailer and poster for KŌKĀ, a feature film brought to life from a tribal story – it is the first feature film shot in the original dialect of Ngāti Porou – coming to cinemas 19th June 2025.
KŌKĀ is a powerful relationship drama following Māori elder Hamo (Hinetu Dell) and local delinquent Jo (Darneen Christian) who form an unlikely bond on a road trip in a Ford Falcon. Together they confront past traumas and each face their demons, their shared path becomes a journey of healing, community, and reconciliation.
KŌKĀ is the debut feature film written and directed by Kath Akuhata-Brown (Ngāti Porou), and produced by WIFT members: Desray Armstrong, Libby Hakaraia and Verity Mackintosh. Congratulations to our WIFT members involved for bringing this powerful story to life.
Director Kath Akuhata-Brown invites audiences to experience this fillm “as a journey of dignity, heart and of mana in the face of a landscape that is constantly shifting.”