Client: Mana MoanaRoles: Animator2024/Freelance
In 2024, I was approached by Mana Moana to collaborate on an animated piece for their annual showcase. What began as a single project quickly became something much more—Tākaroa was the project that kept giving.
A collaboration between poet Arihia Latham, audio engineer Ruby Solly, and illustrator Māori Mermaid, Tākaroabrought to life a powerful Māori pūrākau (Stories) from Ngāi Tahu.
They came to me with a story, concepts, and illustrations in hand—but they needed my help to bring it to life on screen. Working closely with Māori Mermaid, I animated many of her illustrations, transforming them into a moving image
Tākaroa premiered in 2024 in Wellington as part of the Mana Moana celebrations. It went on to win Best in Show at the Aotearoa Poetry Film Festival and became an official selection at the Helios Sun Poetry Festival in Mexico.