Sundance Institute’s Merata Mita Fellowship Honors Indigenous Storytelling at 2024 Festival, USA
The Sundance Institute's Merata Mita Fellowship was established in 2016 to support Indigenous women filmmakers striving to direct feature films. Named in honor of Merata Mita, a pioneering Māori filmmaker and advocate for Indigenous voices, the fellowship continues her mission to amplify Indigenous storytelling within global cinema. Mita, who served as an advisor and artistic director of the Sundance Institute Native Lab from 2000 to 2009, dedicated her career to advocating for Indigenous stories.
At the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in the USA, the fellowship's impact was highlighted during the Native Forum Celebration. Libby Hakaraia, the current Merata Mita Fellow and a filmmaker of Ngati Kapu and Ngati Raukawa descent, reflected on the enduring legacy of Mita and the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous storytellers. Recalling an interview with Mita from 1996, Hakaraia noted that while some progress has been made in the recognition of Indigenous filmmakers, significant challenges remain, especially regarding the gatekeepers in the industry who still limit opportunities for Indigenous narratives.
Hakaraia emphasized that Indigenous storytelling is essential for preserving humanity's truth. She called for partners and allies to support Indigenous filmmakers in pushing boundaries and embracing the "unflinching brave hearts" driving this movement. She echoed her husband Tainui's sentiment that "Indigenous People will save the world," underscoring the importance of Indigenous knowledge in addressing global issues.
The fellowship has supported eight filmmakers to date, including Ciara Leina’ala Lacy, a Kanaka Maoli filmmaker, and now Hakaraia. Each fellow's work continues to expand the reach of Indigenous cinema, ensuring that the stories and perspectives of their communities are seen and heard. Hakaraia’s address at Sundance served as a powerful reminder of the fellowship's role in challenging the status quo and advocating for increased representation of Indigenous voices in the film industry.
Coinciding with Indigenous People's Day, the Sundance Institute's Indigenous Program announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Merata Mita Fellowship. Indigenous women-identifying filmmakers from around the world are encouraged to apply and share their unique stories. The application period runs from October 14–28, 2024.
The fellowship’s establishment and continued support of Indigenous filmmakers demonstrate the Sundance Institute’s commitment to championing diverse voices and reshaping the narrative landscape of cinema. Through initiatives like the Merata Mita Fellowship, Indigenous storytelling gains a vital platform, challenging the cultural gatekeepers and pushing for a more inclusive representation in film.