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
DATES
Friday October 17 2025
6.15PM-7.54PM
VENUE
Ōtautahi, Christchurch
Alice Cinemas
DATES
Saturday October 11 2025
4.15PM-5.54PM
VENUE
Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington
Light House Cuba
DATES
Saturday October 11 2025
3.45PM-5.24PM
VENUE
Wakatū, Nelson
State Cinemas
DATES
Thursday October 09 2025
6PM-7.39PM
VENUE
Auckland Central
Academy Cinemas

















