“You’re still gonna come and see my play right?”
“Of course. You’re my little brother. I can’t wait to see the things you’re gonna do Bub. The world’s your oyster.”
“I hate oysters.”
That conversation between two brothers is from the short film ‘Bubs’. This powerful short film won the award for Best Drama / Te Whaakaata and was made by young film makers Arita Campbell and Te Waiarangi for the Māoriland Film Festival 2019. 
It’s been five years since E Tū Whānau sponsored the first Rangatahi Film Awards, now held annually as part of the increasingly successful Māoriland Film Festival.
This year our investment in the vision and talent of these inspring young people helped produce 14 clever and entertaining short films, six of which have already attracted awards in this year’s competition. These were heart-rending, funny and increasingly sophisticated. Check them out below.
For the first time there is an E Tū Whānau Rangatahi People’s Choice Award. The winner will get $500 towards their next project. Voting is now closed the winner will be announced in due course.
Film Making Workshops
The Film Challenge is a collaboration between Māoriland and E Tū Whānau where rangatahi film leaders travel across Aotearoa to teach other rangatahi how to make films.
Over just two-days, workshop participants have to brainstorm, shoot and edit their short film for presentation. It’s rapid fire film storytelling that challenges rangatahi to speak from the heart.
In 2018, Māoriland Charitable Trust held workshops in Kaitaia, Whangarei, Tāmaki Makaurau, Whanganui, Porirua and Ōtaki. The location of this year’s workshops will be announced in April/May.
The winners of the 2019 E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Awards are:
Best Drama / Te Tino Whakaataata
‘Bubs’ – Arita Campbell and Te Waiarangi
Bubs was made during an E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Filmmaking workshop in Porirua. It’s a story about whānau and how we can look after each other.
Best Actor / Te Ahikā
This award goes to Te Waiarangi Ratana for his beautiful performance as Bub’s older brother Rangi. Te Waiarangi is also a filmmaker himself and a film student based in Wellington.
Best documentary / Pakipūmeka Mātua
‘Wāhine Toa’ – Qianna Titore
Wāhine Toa spotlights Chrissy Hilton of Te Whare Tu Taua o Aotearoa, aka the national school of Māori weaponry. She shares her experiences and challenges of being apart of this kaupapa from the perspective of a young Māori woman. “Wahine toa” Is an empowering and visually stunning film details Wahine battling against stereotypes and inequality in Te Ao Maori.
Best Edit – Pepa “kotikoti”, kōhatū
‘Home’ – Joshua Robinson
A short film portraying what many young Māori in South Auckland experience in their homes. He wants to encourage those who have grown up in similar environments to fight the pain of mental illness, poverty and violence, to carry on and strive for a better lifestyle.
Best use of Theme – Wai Ora
‘Life of Gi’ – Sacred Brothers
Life of GI is a story about a young man who comes from the South Island to find out about his Māori heritage. He is reconnected with his estranged brother and meets many new people along the way to help him on his journey. He struggles but can also see that he is improving and is gradually becoming more interested in the Māori culture.
