Theme: Teaching film analysis to a middle school class using inspiration from all four guest speakers. Carla Segurola Summer Institute Final Project

New Zealand

Where is New Zealand? New Zealand is an island country in the southern Pacific Ocean.

Facts about New Zealand New Zealand includes two landmasses and several islands. It has a population of over 4 million people. English is the most common spoken language. Most of the population is of European heritage. The country is run by monarchy (Queen Elizabeth II of England) and a parliament. The main exports of the country are agriculture (Dairy, meat, wool, etc). New Zealand is a highly developed country with high rates of education, health, and reported happiness. Popular sports include rugby, cricket, golf, and tennis.

Māori

Facts about the Māori More than 95% of the Maori live in New Zealand. The Maori are considered the largest minority in their country, making up more than 14% of population. Were called “The Dying Race” by early European settlers for the hardships they endured. The Maori are actively working to restore their culture in an ever-changing world. Fought to make Maori language an official language of the country (succeeded in 1987). Still involved in disputes over land and rights and often fight racism and stereotypes. The Maori retain their ancient culture through practices of native song and dance, arts such as carving and weaving, speaking Maori and building architecture inspired by their past.

The Legend of Paikea THE WHALE RIDER

Who is Paikea? “ Paikea” is a Maori word for ‘tame whale’ and also means “humpback whale”. The name “Paikea” also refers to the hero of an ancient Maori folktale who survived an attack from his brother by riding on the back of a humpback whale. Paikea was considered a great leader and serves as an inspiration to the Maori.

Critical thinking exercise: Listen to the narrator. Can you identify the speaker? Be prepared to answer questions about this scene.

Group discussion: Who is the narrator? What are your first impressions of Koro? Who is he? What is important to him? Why? Why doesn’t Koro want his granddaughter to be named Paikea?

Critical thinking exercise : Thinking beyond Why is Pai asking her grandfather so many questions? What is the meaning behind the rope? Why is Koro Paka upset that Pai fixed the engine?

Scene vocabulary: Maori word: Waka Definition: a Maori canoe

Critical thinking exercise : Family relationships Focus on the conversations in Pai’s family and notice their interactions with one another. Questions will follow.

Critical thinking exercise: Family relationships How does Porourangi’s family feel about his career as an artist? Provide examples. Why does Koro invite Pai’s teacher to the viewing? Why didn’t Porourangi talk to Koro about his new family prior to this? What does Koro mean when he says his son can’t stand to see “them” hurting? Who are “they”? What is Porourangi running away from? Why is Koro upset about his son’s new family?

Observe Pai’s behavior in this scene.

Group discussion: Did Pai do the right thing by not taking a seat in the back? Why or why not?

Scene vocabulary: Maori word: Marae Definition: a Maori meeting place Maori word: Tapu Definition: Something that is holy, sacred, and unbreakable

Critical thinking exercise: Why is Koro so hard on his students? Why doesn’t Koro get as angry with Hemi as he does with Pai?

Scene vocabulary: Maori word: Muriwai Definition: A female ancestor from Hawaii who landed in New Zealand centuries ago and is part of the current Maori family line.

Critical thinking exercise: Who is Pai and her grandmother talking about in the beginning of this scene? Note what Nanny tells Pai about Uncle Rawiri.

Scene questions: Why did Nanny mention Uncle Rawiri was skilled with the taiaha? Nanny refers to Rawiri as ‘the second son’. How might the second son’s life be different from the first? Why?

Basic Camera Shots

Camera Shot: Extreme Wide Shot Purpose: Establish the area

Camera Shot: Wide Shot Purpose: Shows the entire person or area.

Camera Shot: Medium Shot Purpose: Shows person from the waist up.

Camera Shot: Medium Close Up Purpose: Shows from just below the shoulders to the top of the head.

Camera Shot: Close Up Purpose: Shows the head in detail.

Camera Shot: Extreme Close Up Purpose: To show a subject very close in detail.

Camera Shot: Two Shot Purpose: Shows two characters at once.

Class discussion: Do you think a girl could be a good chief? Would Paikea make a good leader? Why or why not? Provide examples.

Class Journal Assignment: Make a two-column list, one for “girls” and one for “boys”. Enter qualities you think girls and boys have. What roles do boys and girls have in our society? How are these roles similar or different from the Maori?

Fin