Date: August 19th, 2024.
Monday, August 19th, after the Full Moon Ganapuja
Location: Tsegyalgar East Schoolhouse Gonpa, 18 Schoolhouse Rd, Conway, MA
Paora Joseph from New Zealand will be showing his documentary film Tatarakihi: The Children of Parihaka
Overview:
In 1881, after being met by the pa's children holding white feathers of peace, invading constabulary ended Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi's passive resistance at Parihaka in Taranaki. One of the darkest episodes of the New Zealand Wars, it was revisited in this documentary made by Paora Joseph. The film follows another group of Taranaki children undertaking an emotional, modern-day pilgrimage to the South Island jails where their ancestors were exiled and forced to labour. Footage of their hikoi is interwoven with their poetry, song, art and narration.
"While it recounts days of darkness, Tatarakihi – the Children of Parihaka carries a sense of restoration and hope, and I hope it enables continued dialogue for understanding and mutual respect of both Maori and Pakeha in the New Zealand we know today."
– Producer/director Paora Joseph