Just had two sold-out screenings of Maori Boy Genius at Sydney Film Festival. And a standing ovation. Humbling business.

Wore a great gold frock my mum had made me which gave me strength, though I could see her in the audience watching me nervously as I played equally nervously with threads that were hanging down….

Now off to Sheffield Doc/Fest and then onwards to Afghanistan to begin my next film, OASIS.

Variety Reviews Māori Boy Genius:

What if some shrewd filmmaker had recognized Barack Obama’s boyhood promise and documented the birth of his political consciousness as a teen? In “Maori Boy Genius,” documaker Pietra Brettkelly (“The Art Star and the Sudanese Twins”) may well be profiling New Zealand’s future prime minister.

Despite the hyperbolic title, subtitled “Volume One,” the low-key pic is an inspiring look at the education and training of charismatic, articulate 16-year-old Ngaa Rauuira Pumanawawhiti, pegged since birth as a future leader. A smart choice for broadcasters and fests, “Genius” should have a healthy shelf life in educational ancillary.

Read the Variety review