Shania Bailey-Edmonds

When their small country school faces closure, country kids use whatever means necessary to save it while their older siblings do the same to keep their sacred lands during the historic NZ Aotearoa land protests of 1978.

Awkward and flirty Jewelisa has love on the brain and nothing to lose... Only, she is about to lose her biggest secret as her sister stumbles across her hidden romance. Jewelisa tries to sneak out. Her clean exit is thwarted, when she is caught by her God fearing mother, who shows no restraint in questioning Jewelisa’s birth control choices and commitment to faith. Despite her sister’s loaded hints, hilarious miscommunication continues to ensue, until their family dynamic is shaken in a delightfully unpredictable way. (NZIFF 2021)

Symbolized in the bird’s flight, a group of Māori, Pākehā and Colombian creatives explore life’s journey, the longing to return to the nest, and the life-giving connection with our ancestors.