The film, Maria, is about the matriarch of a large Polynesian family who lies bedridden and silent, unable or unwilling to speak after a long illness.
But when a family crisis strike, Maria gets some unexpected help as she struggles to reunite her fractured family.
The film was written by Samoan Tokelauan Taofia Pelesasa, and directed by Samoan Jeremiah Tauamiti.
Maria is played by Leiataua Si'ulepa who at 80 years-old is fast making a name for herself in acting roles in New Zealand.
