Witi Ihimaera - White Lies

JON ARVIDSON:For helping me with the English grammar and translation of the synopsis of the script and ‘Characters’ Journey’ document.

MOANA MANIAPOTO:For reading the first synopsis I wrote, only a couple of weeks after Manawanui was born. With tears in your eyes, you encouraged me to make this film.

JULIE PAAMA-PENGELLY:For my ta moko, the creative portal you drew on my right forearm.

JOE MCCLUTCHIE:For your dreams and for guiding my first steps into the Maori culture with your knowledge.

JO JOHNSON:For revising, correcting and improving the very many drafts of the script.

TIM BALME:For your perfect understanding of the language of film and your always precise input in the development of the script.

MINA PRIPand CALUM MACMILLAN:For being a family to my daughter and me. For opening the first gate into the Universe of Tuhoe. For crying with me and being happy with me all along the way. For revising the translation in te reo Maori of the script.

ANI PRIPand HINEIRA WOODARD:For hosting me in your home in Ruatoki on my first visit to Te Urewera, being patient and generous with me and my infinite ignorance, and for providing us with Tuakiri Huna , the perfect title for this film in te reo Maori.

HINEWAI MCMANUS:For sharing with me your brave and generous soul, the soul of a Tuhoe warrior. And for rowing like mad on a windy evening on Lake Waikareiti, so we could get to shelter before dark.

JIM WHITE, RICHARD WHITEand MERIANN WHITE:There are not enough words in any language to express the infinite gratitude I feel towards you for welcoming me and this film into your hearts, your whanau and your marae. You shared, with no reservations, the sacred space of Oputao Marae. A humble and beautiful marae, restored and brought to life by a work of love made through the years by Taiwera Ivan White and you, his sons, Richard and Jim. The first wharenui I ever slept in and where, during a long and stormy night, I asked your tipuna for permission to tell this story. It was there I had the honour to be present in the Ringatu ceremony of Te Tekau-ma-rua, and through your mana the idea of the film was presented to the Haahi Ringatu of Ruatahuna and Waikaremoana, asking for their acceptance and blessing. Oputao Marae was the place where we spent long hours discussing the characters of this film and their journey, and we revised the translation of the script into te reo Maori, word by word. It became a production office, a rehearsal studio, the wardrobe-fitting room, a film location. The wairua of Oputao Marae has been a source of strength and inspiration for me. I can only hope that, with this film, it will be honoured as it deserves to be. You are brothers and a sister to me, and without you this film would not exist.

KARARAINA RANGIHAU:You took me by the hand to discover the depth and wisdom of your land and your people. Your knowledge of Tuhoe history and the enormous dignity and pride with which you hold, preserve and protect your identity has been the living expression of mana, something almost forgotten in the world I come from. You have been a ferocious critic when I have been wrong, and I can only thank you for that, and you have been the most generous teacher when I needed to learn. You placed this film in your heart, and you have worked day and night by my side for the last two years to make it happen. Cultural advisor, te reo Maori translator, dialogue coach, casting advisor, location scouter, production and logistics magic wonder woman. Your passion for filmmaking humbles me, and it has been a unique experience and a privilege to know you and to work by your side. Gracias, Camarada.

WHITIAUA ROPITINI:For being the adviser in all matters related to the Ringatu faith and protocols, for the translation of the dialogue in te reo Maori and for representing this film in the Haahi Ringatu of Ruatahuna and Waikaremoana. You spread your enthusiasm for this film all over the valley, and with that you opened the doors and the people’s hearts for us.

TANGIORA TAWHARA:You are the Rongoa Wahine. Every day on the set you shared your knowledge of Rongoa, making sure it was represented with respect and integrity. You opened your knowledge to everyone, Pakeha and Maori, and we all became united by that. I thank you for the karakia and for translating to te reo Maori all the dialogues of Paraiti. And for being a supportive and unconditional friend.

HAAHI RINGATUof Ruatahuna and Waikaremoana: You allowed me to be part of your parish, you opened your soul and invited me in. Just to be there and witness the truth and humble sincerity of your spirituality has been the most precious gift I could ever get.

THE PEOPLE OF RUATAHUNA:You embraced this film and made it yours. You welcomed us and shared your homes and your food with us. You worked with us day and night. You lent us props and wardrobe, you gave us advice and took care of us. You were home for us. You are home for me.

KAUMATUA OF HOPURUAHINE:For welcoming us onto your land and allowing us to re-create, for the film, the atrocities committed in the past against your people. Many of you cried when we were shooting those scenes, as you lived again the suffering of your tipuna and the land. It is my hope that, with those tears, some healing may come to your hearts.

TE TUAWHENUA TRUST:For allowing us to film on your land and to take to the screen the amazing beauty of Te Urewera.

MANAWARU TRIBAL EXECUTIVE:For endorsing this film.

CHRIS HAMPSON:For believing in this story, working hard and staying on board until the end of this film. A film that can make us feel proud.

ALUN BOLLINGER:You created a visual universe of exquisite aesthetics. You are an artist who conceives of light and space through the camera frame in a poetic way. You understood the film profoundly and brought it into being with vision, providing the story of our Paraiti, Rebecca and Maraea with a wise sense of compassion and humanity. Your guidance and advice while rewriting the many drafts of the script were crucial.

CHRISTINA ASHER:For the best cast ever.

The amazing three leading actresses: You all brought to the film much more than what I gave you in the script. WHIRIMAKO BLACK, you are a brave woman. You brought Paraiti to life with a grounded and sacred quality. ANTONIA PREBBLE, for your emotional wisdom, your professional devotion and your profound knowledge of Rebecca, who came from within your skin, to become the unforgettable character we have on the screen. And for gifting us with the narrative of the ending of the film. RACHEL HOUSE, you are a powerful, sophisticated and intelligent actress. With those qualities you transformed the villain of our story into a complex and deeply human Maraea.

NANCY BRUNNING:For trusting me.

DEIZHON MANAWANUI KING:Beautiful baby, you are the miracle of this film.

CATHERINE MADIGAN:For your love for films and the endless hours of efficient and perfect work. For the many times you made production miracles. For your vision and support.

STEPHANIE WILKIN:For taking Whirimako Black by the hand with endless generosity.

HAMISH GOUGH:For giving structure to our filming weeks and being the boss.

TRACEY COLLINS:For taking on board the amazing job of re-creating a window to the past of this country, through the production and wardrobe design of the film.