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Media Release 6 June 2025: Rapido
MEDIA RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12 June 2025
Aho Shorts film Rapido Wins Best Live Action Short Film at imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, Toronto, Canada
Ngā Aho Whakaari is proud to celebrate the success of Rapido, one of the films from the most recent Aho Shorts programme, which has taken out the Live Action Short Film Award at the prestigious imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival 2025. The accolade is a significant international achievement in an Oscar® qualifying category — meaning Rapido is now eligible for consideration for the Academy Awards in the Best Live Action Short Film category.
Created by Director/Co-Writer, Richard J Curtis (Ngāti Rongomai, Ngāti Pikiao, Te Arawa), and Producer/Co-Writer, Lea McLean (Ngāti Porou, Te Ati haunui-a-paparangi, Tūwharetoa), Rapido tells the story of a young Māori boy whose favourite war comic ‘Battalion’ fills his fantastical mind with action and adventure. When he takes part in a spiritual cleansing, he discovers his estranged grandfather was a World War II veteran.
"Rapido explores intergenerational trauma, inspired by Richard's childhood and his uncle's untold struggle with 'Shell-Shock’. This story honours the sacrifices of Māori soldiers and highlights the enduring impact of PTSD on their whānau at home” says Lea McLean.
“Winning this award validates the efforts of the entire team, cast and crew, especially for the new generation of filmmakers that were involved in the production” adds Richard J Curtis. "We are grateful for the support from the Aho Shorts initiative, which is vital for nurturing the growth and sustainability of Māori filmmakers, ensuring our stories are told and celebrated. Ngā Aho Whakaari is the backbone to our creative community, empowering our unique voices and perspectives, while fostering innovation in indigenous storytelling”.
“Rapido represents the heart of the kaupapa of the Aho Shorts programme, which encourages Māori filmmakers to tell our stories in our own ways. These films not only resonate at home but also contribute to the amplification of Indigenous perspectives around the world” says Ngā Aho Whakaari Tumu Whakarae Kay Ellmers (Ngāti Tamateraa|Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) “We are delighted to see this powerful film recognised internationally and congratulate the entire team on this well-deserved honour.”
The Aho Shorts initiative supports emerging Māori filmmakers to create compelling, high-quality short films grounded in te ao Māori. The programme is a partnership between Ngā Aho Whakaari, Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga (NZFC),Te Māngai Pāho and Irirangi te Motu (NZ On Air).
Looking ahead, Richard and Lea (Miro Productions Ltd) are focused on their feature film making endeavours and are eager to collaborate with indigenous filmmakers worldwide. They’re also working on season 2 of their television drama series, “End of the Valley”. Season one is currently screening on maoriplus.co.nz.
For media enquiries, interviews or further information, please contact:
Lea McLean
Producer | Miro Productions
+64 27 228 9593
lea@miro.productions
Ends.
MEDIA RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12 June 2025
Aho Shorts film Rapido Wins Best Live Action Short Film at imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, Toronto, Canada
Ngā Aho Whakaari is proud to celebrate the success of Rapido, one of the films from the most recent Aho Shorts programme, which has taken out the Live Action Short Film Award at the prestigious imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival 2025. The accolade is a significant international achievement in an Oscar® qualifying category — meaning Rapido is now eligible for consideration for the Academy Awards in the Best Live Action Short Film category.
Created by Director/Co-Writer, Richard J Curtis (Ngāti Rongomai, Ngāti Pikiao, Te Arawa), and Producer/Co-Writer, Lea McLean (Ngāti Porou, Te Ati haunui-a-paparangi, Tūwharetoa), Rapido tells the story of a young Māori boy whose favourite war comic ‘Battalion’ fills his fantastical mind with action and adventure. When he takes part in a spiritual cleansing, he discovers his estranged grandfather was a World War II veteran.
"Rapido explores intergenerational trauma, inspired by Richard's childhood and his uncle's untold struggle with 'Shell-Shock’. This story honours the sacrifices of Māori soldiers and highlights the enduring impact of PTSD on their whānau at home” says Lea McLean.
“Winning this award validates the efforts of the entire team, cast and crew, especially for the new generation of filmmakers that were involved in the production” adds Richard J Curtis. "We are grateful for the support from the Aho Shorts initiative, which is vital for nurturing the growth and sustainability of Māori filmmakers, ensuring our stories are told and celebrated. Ngā Aho Whakaari is the backbone to our creative community, empowering our unique voices and perspectives, while fostering innovation in indigenous storytelling”.
“Rapido represents the heart of the kaupapa of the Aho Shorts programme, which encourages Māori filmmakers to tell our stories in our own ways. These films not only resonate at home but also contribute to the amplification of Indigenous perspectives around the world” says Ngā Aho Whakaari Tumu Whakarae Kay Ellmers (Ngāti Tamateraa|Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) “We are delighted to see this powerful film recognised internationally and congratulate the entire team on this well-deserved honour.”
The Aho Shorts initiative supports emerging Māori filmmakers to create compelling, high-quality short films grounded in te ao Māori. The programme is a partnership between Ngā Aho Whakaari, Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga (NZFC),Te Māngai Pāho and Irirangi te Motu (NZ On Air).
Looking ahead, Richard and Lea (Miro Productions Ltd) are focused on their feature film making endeavours and are eager to collaborate with indigenous filmmakers worldwide. They’re also working on season 2 of their television drama series, “End of the Valley”. Season one is currently screening on maoriplus.co.nz.
For media enquiries, interviews or further information, please contact:
Lea McLean
Producer | Miro Productions
+64 27 228 9593
lea@miro.productions
Ends.