OPEN LOOKS

To let go, she must play the game of her life.

Far from their islands in Te Moana-nui-o-Kiva, three sisters are raised by their father in a small village in Aotearoa. Rei, Upokoina and Matilda G share a love of basketball.

After losing, defiant Upokoina challenges her older sister to another game. Rei refuses, storming away, leaving her younger sisters behind on the basketball court.

A cacophony of howling, metal on metal is heard. The sudden death of the eldest sister, takes the younger two to Havaiki Nui – the Underworld – where they’re forced to play ball to return home.

Opens Looks is a short film told in English and Cook Islands Māori. A story of love, redemption and basketball.

With a cast including Evotia-Rose Araiti, Manea Sua, Robert Ringiao Lloyd, Teremoana Yala, Tina McNicholas and introducing Tearii Pilitati-Firmin.

Featuring Cinematography by Tammy Williams, Edited by Alex Boyd, Composed by Karnan Saba with Sound Design by Trent Williams. Open Looks is co-produced by Hone Kouka, Sharlene George and Karin Williams and Line Produced by Mhairead Connor.

Directed by Mīria George,Open Looks is co-written by Hone Kouka and Mīria George, he mea whakamāori e Tupu Araiti me Peter Winchester.

Open Looks is made possible by New Zealand Film Commission‘s He Kauahi Catalyst Premium Short Film Fund and Wellington City Council.

Tawata Productions is now in early development for the feature-length film.

DATES

Saturday January 17 2026

7.30PM-9.09PM

VENUE

Rakiura, Stewart Island

Bunkhouse Theatre

TICKETS

DATES

Friday October 17 2025

6.15PM-7.54PM

VENUE

Ōtautahi, Christchurch

Alice Cinemas

TICKETS

DATES

Saturday October 11 2025

4.15PM-5.54PM

VENUE

Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington

Light House Cuba

TICKETS

DATES

Saturday October 11 2025

3.45PM-5.24PM

VENUE

Wakatū, Nelson

State Cinemas

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DATES

Thursday October 09 2025

6PM-7.39PM

VENUE

Auckland Central

Academy Cinemas

TICKETS

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Henare by Karena Letham