Taratoa Stappard Begins ‘Marama,’ Maori Gothic Horror Film in New Zealand
variety.comPatrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Production is now under way in New Zealand on “Marama,” a gothic horror film from Māori writer-director Taratoa Stappard (“Taumanu, Emkhatsini”).
Production is taking place around Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island and in the South Island’s Otago region. Set in North Yorkshire, England, in 1859, “Marama” is the story of a young Māori woman’s fight to reclaim her identity and indigenous culture in Victorian-era Britain.
The film title comes from the woman’s name. The film features Māori actor Ariana Osborne (“Madam,” “In A Flash”) in the lead role, alongside British actor Toby Stephens (“Black Sails,” “Die Another Day,” “Percy Jackson and The Olympians”) who has recently wrapped principal photography on the project.
The cast also stars Umi Myers (“Bob Marley: One Love,” “Dope Girls”) along with New Zealanders Erroll Shand (“Savage,” “The Luminaries”) and Jordan Mooney (“The Bluff,” “Pike River”). “Marama” is produced by Sharlene George (“Taumanu,” “Testify,” “Birds Eye View”), co-CEO and founding partner of production company The Sweetshop.
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