Hinekura

Aotearoa:1600’s While playing games with her friend Tama (13), Hine (also 13) gets her first bleed. The whanau joyously send her to a distant site specially for sacred female rituals. She is accompanied by other women from the tribe, including Te Haeata. When they arrive, Hinekura experiences her first ritual into womanhood. However Hine isn’t ready to let her childhood go, so after setting up camp that night Hine sneaks back to the river to find Tama. But Tama aware of the importance of this time, tells her to to go back. She returns to find Te Haeata waiting for her near the campsite. Te Haeata begins to induct Hine into the school of weaponry. As they walk back to the camp,Te Haeata speaks to Hine about her role, but stops when she sees a stranger watching them from the bush. The next day, Hine seeks solace at the lake. Her sister joins her. As they talk, the stranger from the other night arrives and tries to drag Rona away. Hine fights him off and realises her place as protector. (Hawaii International Film Festival)