SCCI presents Whetū Mārama - Bright Star: A special film screening and Director Q&A

We are excited to host this screening, which presents a uniquely Māori perspective on Aotearoa (New Zealand) and the tradition of Māori as a water people, a tradition that will resonate with other indigenous water people and with the world’s lovers of wayfaring. At its heart, this is a story about finding your way – whether it is by learning and using the star compass or by connecting to your inner compass to find direction. 

This screening is part of a vibrant summer cultural exchange programme '‘Te Tūmahanatanga Tawhiti', led by organisation Te Maru o Hinemihi, which is chaired by SCCI Director and UCL Professor of Anthropology Haidy Geismar. The programme will include Māori language courses, workshops, events and screenings across UCL. 

Join us at One Pool Street Cinema at UCL East for an opportunity to see this inspiring and moving documentary, followed by a Q&A with Director Toby Mills. Doors open at 17.50 for a prompt 18.15 start. 

The event is free to attend, but advance booking is required. You will also have an opportunity to provide an optional koha (donation) to support the Te Tūmahanatanga Tawhiti Summer Programme when you book. 

About the film

30 years ago there were no waka hourua, no ocean going waka/canoes and no surviving knowledge of celestial navigation in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Oral history and carved artifacts were all that remained of our ancestral Pacific voyagers. Now, 30 years on, double hulled canoes have been built. Celestial Navigation has been re-learned. The Pacific Triangle has been sailed.

Sir Hekenukumai Puhipi Busby, aka Hek Busby, has helmed this renaissance in Aotearoa/New Zealand. He and his crews have proved beyond doubt that those ancient Pacific Voyagers were not blown far south to New Zealand by accident ,but were able seamen who knew where they were going and how to get here. Under Hek’s watch, the waka/canoe movement in New Zealand has flourished to embrace thousands of New Zealanders, connecting us with other Pacific Voyagers, and involving us with the greatest world’s wayfarers.

About the programme

The ‘Te Tūmahanatanga Tawhiti' - An International Exchange of Knowledge, Art and Culture’ programme is a partnership with Te Maru o Hinemihi, Ngā Kohinga Whakairo o Hinemihi, National Trust, and University College London (Anthropology), and funded by the British Council Connections through Culture grants. It aims to nurture fresh arts and cultural partnerships, and support new ideas, between Aotearoa (New Zealand) and the UK.

Check out the full Summer 2024 programme.

The screening of 'Whetū Mārama - Bright Star' is proudly supported by the Native Spirit Foundation and UCL School for the Creative and Cultural Industries.