Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu
Director
Nellie and Daisy attempt to escape the institution for delinquent girls in 1954 New Zealand, however not only are they caught, it triggers a relocation to a facility on a remote island. The duo become a trio as well-to-do Lou joins them, and life on the island takes shape under the command of devout Matron. The trio rail against the system, dubious of the benevolence of the bible and taking refuge in their blossoming friendship. It’s hard to reform girls who don’t believe they need reforming. However, a sense of doom settles in when experimental forms of punishment take place in the dead of night. Nellie and Daisy plot rebellion, but unexpectedly find themselves at odds with Lou, who is afraid to break the rules.
Writer
A young girl finds comfort in play and slowly reconnects with her distant father after her mother walks out on the family.
Director
A young girl finds comfort in play and slowly reconnects with her distant father after her mother walks out on the family.
Screenplay
A young Māori women is released from prison and not given the proper support she needs.
Writer
Eight Māori female directors have each contributed a sequence to this powerful and challenging feature which unfolds around the tangi of a small boy who died at the hands of his caregiver.
