Cookies help us run our site more efficiently.

By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information or to customize your cookie preferences.

Tōku Waiata / My Song

Directed By
Millie Gillard
Produced By
Now Playing
Cinema Verde
Bird Award
2024
Tōku Waiata / My Song
Play Icon
TRAILER
Tōku Waiata / My Song
14
Minutes
Minute
Animation
,
Conservation
,
Student
New Zealand
2023

Star is a bird of many names. Kārearea, kāiaia, the New Zealand falcon. Aotearoa was once a nation of manu. Winged creatures reigned: bats, bugs and birds. Whilst flightless creatures crawled the land, the skies were ruled by aerial predators, some of these birds almost mythical in size. Yet with the arrival of humans came great change. Today, many manu linger only in legend. But a few birds of prey remain, including the feisty kārearea. The New Zealand falcon didn’t survive these changing years unscathed. Kārearea are even rarer than the kiwi. But they won’t go down without a fight. Through both traditional filmmaking and stop-motion animation, Tōku Waiata / My Song soars Aotearoa's skies alongside Star, an advocacy falcon at Wingspan Birds of Prey Centre. Here, a rather different conservation practice is used to conserve New Zealand's only falcon; the ancient art of falconry.

Play Icon
No items found.

More from

Millie Gillard

No items found.

More in the Series

No items found.
Tōku Waiata / My Song
is now playing. Visit our Virtual Screenings page to view all streaming films.

Become a member

For full access to our environmental film collection.

Virtual Screenings

Dive in to our streaming environmental film collection.