There is a demand for Māori film as it grows in popularity each year. Platforms like the Wairoa Māori Film Festival not only draw a local audience but International as well.
New Zealand has enjoyed domestic success and international acclaim for its films, but some of New Zealand's most successful feature length films are those that have a distinctive Māori focus, such as classic films like, Whale Rider and Once Were Warriors.
In the last ten years the New Zealand Film Commission has been building on that success and is currently involved in a development scheme called “He Ara” which offers a funding pool of $200,000 aimed specifically at Māori and Pacifica film.
The Commission has a vision focused on seeing between 8 - 12 films released this year and with this new funding available they're expecting even more growth in the next 3 - 5 years.