The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has chosen DEGANZ member Mīria George’s short film fire in the water, fire in the sky for its 2022 programme. While a few Kiwi feature films will be screening during the festival – Nude Tuesday, Whina, Millie Lies Low and Juniper – this is the only short featured from Aotearoa.
The film follows polar opposite sisters, Tia and Ina, as they perceive and experience the world differently. It makes a bold cautionary statement about climate change and its impact on migration and the Pacific Islands. This story, which seamlessly blends dance and film, is told in both Cook Islands Māori and English.
Mīrira originally developed the script for theatre in 2017 as part of the Fulbright Creative New Zealand Pacific Writers Residency. Then, Tawata Productions picked it up upon her return to Aotearoa after spending three months developing the performance installation at the University of Hawai’i.
The film received special recognition for cinematography from NZIFF in 2021. Last year, it also made the rounds of the Hawai’i International Film Festival and Pollywood Pasifika Film Festival. This year, it screened at LA Asian Pacific Film Festival, Wairoa Film Festival, and Māoriland Film Festival.
Congratulations to Mīria and the cast and crew for your UK premiere!
