The Drum

Name: The Drum
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2024-07-26
Duration: 46 min
Cast: Hone Kaa, Hirini Melbourne

Movie"Percussion's there in our lives, it's there in our heartbeat."

NR 46 minDocumentary

With the resurgence of taonga pūoro, one musical instrument remains conspicuously absent from Māori music —pahū (drum). In this documentary Te Pahū, composer Hirini Melbourne (ONZM) and ethnologist Te Warena Taua trace the history of pahū, from musical accompaniment to being the manawa (heart) of communication and communities. Musicians and carvers bring to life the lost beat of pahū by creating a version using modern techniques. Pioneering Māori filmmaker Merata Mita (Patu!) directed Te Pahū, while Rawiri Paratene (Whale Rider) co-wrote and produced it.

StarringHone KaaHirini Melbourne

DirectorMerata Mita

WritersMerata MitaRawiri Paratene

Movie Details Full Cast & Crew