A Maori gothic film is New Zealand's pick for the Oscars

Debut feature 'Marama' by writer-director Taratoa Stappard (Ngati Toa, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Tuwharetoa) - described as a 'Maori gothic love letter' to Aotearoa - has been chosen as New Zealand's official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Oscars. Set in Victorian-era Yorkshire, it follows a young Maori woman summoned to England who uncovers hard truths about her colonial heritage.