PRESS RELEASE
Documentary film about the disappearing indigenous cultures of Taiwan wins award for best international indigenous film at a festival in New Zealand
Nuhaka, New Zealand - June 2, 2012 - Voices in the Clouds, a documentary film project supported by the ATAYAL Organization, was selected as the winner of the "Best International Indigenous Film" award by the 2012 Wairoa Maori Film Festival. The festival organizer, Leo Koziol, presented the award, which features a Maori design on the trophy, to Tony Coolidge during the awards ceremony of the festival on Saturday night.
"This was a total surprise, and I feel honored, especially coming from the Maori community for which I have the utmost respect," stated Mr. Coolidge. "To me, this prize acknowledges the hard work of the producers, Aaron Hosé, Chris Bremer, and their crew, who dedicated their time and effort to craft the story."
The film is a documentary film which features Tony Coolidge's discovery of his mother's disappearing indigenous heritage in Taiwan, and reminds its viewers of the importance of connecting with the culture of their ancestors before it is too late. The film's selection into the 2012 Wairoa Film Festival allowed Tony Coolidge to travel to New Zealand for the first time and to build a connection between the Maori and the Austronesian tribes of Taiwan. The film gave the filmmakers and audience in New Zealand a glimpse into the Austronesian culture of Taiwan, and most people noted the similarities between the indigenous Taiwanese and the Maori of Aotearoa. This introduction of Taiwanese indigenous culture led to the launch of new projects of the ATAYAL Organization, inviting the Maori to connect with their ancient Austronesian roots in Taiwan.
The Wairoa Maori Film Festival enjoyed its 12th year featuring films made by Maori filmmakers, as well as indigenous films made in other countries. This year, in particular, featured the accomplishments of many women filmmakers.
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