Whakaata Māori

After her gender identity was denied in her homeland, Lee Li, a transgender asylum seeker, was forced to leave her country, family, and language to embark on a journey toward belonging, freedom, and self-empowerment.

Brings to light the harrowing experiences of survivors who endured abuse while in state care in New Zealand. Through candid interviews and personal narratives, the film delves into the systematic failures that led to countless individuals suffering, predominantly from Māori communities.

This three-part documentary explores the mystery of the Māori King movement as never before seen, the historic origins of the movement, the place it has in contemporary New Zealand and what the future holds for this important national institution.