Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu’s We Were Dangerous is a simmering, potent drama set against the stark backdrop of a 1954 New Zealand reform school. It's a story of rebellion, told through the intertwined fates of Nellie and Daisy, two young women seeking escape from a system that seeks to break them. The arrival of Lou adds a complex layer to their dynamic, as the girls navigate the oppressive regime of a devout matron and the unsettling experimental punishments meted out under the cover of night. Director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but rather leans into moments of joy and absurdity in what the trio of young women face. The film pulses with a quiet rage, a testament to the enduring power of friendship in the face of systemic injustice. It's a challenging, yet deeply human story.

This impressively candid documentary revisits the three-minute long “incident” at the University of Auckland which triggered race relations between Māori and non-Māori in 1970s New Zealand. Current Interviews with the engineering students who participated in the mocking haka party and members of the activist group that disrupted it, now adults, reflect on their versions of what happened. Directed by Katie Wolfe (one of the directors of 2017’s Waru) this doc, originally a theatre piece, is the ultimate telling of this true story. With archival footage and insights from those who were there, The Haka Party Incident brings forgotten history to life.

Worlds collide when Māori Elder Hamo accidentally hits Jo, a rough-around-the-edges wahine, with her car. Feeling responsible for her care, Hamo tries to help Jo back on her feet, only to find herself entangled in Jo’s antics after Jo lost her only home and family — a group of misfits who outlived their stay in an encampment. Hamo reluctantly agrees to take Jo under her wing, bringing her along on the trip back home. While on the road, the women form an unlikely bond that leads them to face the past and lean on each other on the path to healing.

Pete and Seth Scriver's Endless Cookie is a refreshingly unique animated documentary, a testament to their singular vision and handcrafted charm. It’s a film that deftly navigates complex themes of race and identity through the lens of a deeply personal journey, tracing the bond between two half-brothers — one Indigenous, one white — as they traverse the stark contrasts between isolated Shamattawa and 1980s Toronto. The Scrivers' animation style, imbued with a raw, unpolished energy, perfectly complements their candid storytelling. The film's humour is both sharp and endearing, weaving together anecdotes about documentary filmmaking amidst a chaotic household, grocery store escapades, and encounters with caribou. Beyond the laughter, Endless Cookie is rooted in a quiet yet powerful resistance to colonialism, offering a nuanced exploration of Indigenous life. It’s a film that finds beauty in the everyday, weaving together oral histories and cosmic musings into a bittersweet tapestry of life.

This drama sees Gail Maurice in a layered performance as Aberdeen, who is navigating through the barriers stacked up against her to find home for herself and her grandchildren. With supporting roles by Billy Merasty, Jennifer Podemski, and Ryan Black, Aberdeen is an emotional, but hopeful, portrait of a complicated woman who must make life-altering choices. Aberdeen navigates the streets of Winnipeg as an adult through a cycle of intergenerational trauma, with glimpses of an idyllic, but short-lived childhood with her grandparents on reserve giving a hint of what she has lost. With pockets of humour and lightness, Maurice skillfully portrays the title character in her best role yet.

Join us to honour Indigenous excellence in film and media arts, with generous support from our partners and individual donors. Each year, the imagineNATIVE Awards Presentation showcases a selection of exceptional works from our Festival. Each recipient is selected by filmmakers and industry professionals from the Festival’s independent programming team and juries. This event will feature can’t-miss performances by Lacey Hill and Adrian Sutherland!