Indigenous Filmmaking: Beyond Preservation, Towards a Rebuilt World
The film industry is undergoing a quiet revolution. It’s not about new cameras or streaming platforms, but about who gets to tell the stories. For too long, narratives surrounding Indigenous communities were filtered through external lenses, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes or outright erasure. Now, thanks to trailblazers like Māori filmmaker Merata Mita and initiatives like the Sundance Institute’s Merata Mita Fellowship, Indigenous women are seizing control of their own representation, and in doing so, are offering a powerful vision for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Merata Mita’s Enduring Legacy
Merata Mita wasn’t simply a filmmaker; she was a cultural architect. Her work, born from a desire to document and preserve Māori knowledge, evolved into a fierce advocacy for Indigenous voices on a global stage. Mita understood that cinema wasn’t just about entertainment; it was a potent tool for self-determination. The Merata Mita Fellowship, launched in 2016 by Bird Runningwater, directly embodies this spirit. It provides crucial support – mentorship, resources, and visibility – to Indigenous women filmmakers striving to bring their feature film projects to life.
A Global Network of Storytellers
The Fellowship’s impact extends far beyond New Zealand. Since its inception, it has supported eight filmmakers from across the globe, including Rhayne Vermette (Métis), whose recent premiere of “Levers” at the Toronto International Film Festival and upcoming screening at the New York Film Festival is a testament to the program’s success. Vermette’s reflections on the power of filmmaking – a space for celebration, joy, and rebuilding – resonate deeply with Mita’s original vision. These aren’t isolated successes; they represent a growing network of Indigenous storytellers challenging conventional narratives and forging new paths.
The Power of “To Have All Is to Share All”
Vermette’s quote, “To have all is to share all,” encapsulates a core tenet of Indigenous worldview and a guiding principle for this new wave of filmmaking. It’s a rejection of the extractive, individualistic models that have often dominated the industry, and an embrace of collaboration, reciprocity, and community. This ethos isn’t just about ethical filmmaking practices; it’s about fundamentally reshaping the stories we tell and the values they promote. It’s about recognizing that storytelling is a sacred responsibility, not merely a commercial enterprise.
Beyond Representation: Indigenous Wisdom for a Changing World
The rise of Indigenous filmmaking isn’t simply a matter of correcting historical imbalances. It’s about tapping into a wealth of knowledge and perspectives that are increasingly vital in a world grappling with climate change, social injustice, and existential uncertainty. Indigenous cultures often possess a deep understanding of ecological interconnectedness, sustainable living, and community resilience – themes that are urgently relevant today. Films created by Indigenous filmmakers aren’t just reflecting these values; they’re actively modeling them.
The Future of Indigenous Cinema and Beyond
Looking ahead, several trends suggest an even brighter future for Indigenous filmmaking. Increased funding opportunities, growing recognition at major film festivals, and the rise of independent distribution platforms are all creating a more supportive ecosystem. However, challenges remain. Access to resources, overcoming systemic biases, and ensuring authentic representation are ongoing battles. Furthermore, the demand for Indigenous stories is likely to extend beyond traditional cinema, influencing television, digital media, and even virtual reality experiences.
The Sundance Institute’s call for applications to the 2026 Merata Mita Fellowship (open October 13–November 3, 2025) is a crucial step in continuing this momentum. But the responsibility doesn’t rest solely with institutions like Sundance. Audiences, distributors, and industry professionals all have a role to play in amplifying Indigenous voices and supporting their creative endeavors. As Rhayne Vermette powerfully articulated, Indigenous storytelling isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about actively rebuilding the world. And that’s a future worth investing in.
What stories do you believe need to be told? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
