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New gothic horror film “Marama” begins production in New Zealand
A unique blend of culture and horror
Production has officially commenced in New Zealand for the gothic horror film “Marama”, directed by the talented Māori writer-director Taratoa Stappard, known for his previous works “Taumanu” and “Emkhatsini.” Filming is taking place in various locations, including Auckland on the North Island and the Otago region on the South Island.
A tale of identity and culture
Set in North Yorkshire, England, in 1859, “Marama” tells the compelling story of a young Māori woman striving to reclaim her identity and indigenous culture amidst the rigid societal norms of Victorian-era Britain. The film’s title is derived from the protagonist’s name, symbolizing her journey and struggle.
Stellar cast and crew
The film stars Māori actor Ariana Osborne (“Madam,” “In A Flash”) in the lead role, bringing depth and authenticity to the character of Marama. She is joined by British actor Toby Stephens (“Black Sails,” “Die Another Day,” “Percy Jackson and The Olympians”), who has recently completed principal photography for the project. The ensemble cast also includes Umi Myers (“Bob Marley: One Love,” “Dope Girls”), alongside New Zealand actors Erroll Shand (“Savage,” “The Luminaries”) and Jordan Mooney (“The Bluff,” ”Pike River”).
Behind the scenes
“Marama” is produced by Sharlene George (“Taumanu,” “Testify,” “Birds Eye View”), co-CEO and founding partner of The Sweetshop production company. The film’s production team also includes Rickylee Russell-Waipuka (“Taumanu,” “The Untold Tales of Tūteremoana”), Rouzie Hassanova (“Radiogram,” “Song for Serbia”), and Paraone Gloyne as the Pou Tiaki Reo & Tikanga (Māori language & culture producer). Executive producers for the project are Victoria Dabbs and Gal Greenspan for Sweetshop Entertainment, Jill Macnab and Phil Bremner for Vendetta Films, and Badie Ali, Hamza Ali, and Greg Newman for MPI Media.
Development and support
The film has been developed with the backing of several prestigious organizations, including Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga (The New Zealand Film Commission), imagineNATIVE, The Black List, Toronto International Film Festival, the Zurich Film Festival, and the Berlinale Co-Production Market. This support underscores the film’s cultural significance and potential impact.
Distribution and global reach
“Marama” is being produced in association with the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, Whakaata Māori, and Images & Sound. Vendetta Films will handle distribution in Australia and New Zealand, while MPI International will manage global rights sales, ensuring that this unique film reaches a wide audience.
A new genre: Māori gothic horror
Director Taratoa Stappard, who resides in the U.K. and has Māori heritage from the Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, and Ngāti Tuwharetoa tribes, expressed his excitement about the project. “This film will be confronting, bloody, and entirely unique, and I’m excited to be forging a new genre: Māori gothic horror,” he said.
Producer Sharlene George added, “We are bringing something truly different to the screen because this film is both a cultural statement as well as a fusion of distinct story worlds that rarely intersect. I couldn’t be happier that we are shooting and doing all our post-production here in Aotearoa to anchor the story on the land.”
Final thoughts
“Marama” promises to be a groundbreaking film that not only entertains but also educates and challenges viewers. By blending gothic horror with Māori culture, it offers a fresh perspective and a unique cinematic experience.
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