The Disney classic Lion King in te reo Māori has premiered in what is being described as a dream come true and a triumph.
From left, Rob Ruha, Tweedie Waititi, Chelsea Winstanley and Pere Wihongi at The Lion King Reo Māori premiere. Photo: Supplied
More than 1500 people gathered at the Civic Theatre in Auckland on Tuesday evening to watch the film's Māori language version on the big screen for the first time.
The reo Māori version was created by Oscar-nominated producer Chelsea Winstanley, Director Tweedie Waititi, and Musical Directors Rob Ruha and Pere Wihongi .
Voice talent includes Mataara Stokes, Arihia Cassidy, Justin Rogers, Mātai Rae, Piripi Taylor, Ani-Piki Tuari and others.
Some of the cast and crew at the premiere. Photo: Supplied
Winstanley, the producer, said the night was a triumph for so many reasons, but mainly for te reo rangatira.
"For the first time ever in a feature film we are showcasing five different dialects, of which there are many throughout the motu, and for many people across Aotearoa they will be hearing these kupu for the first time. Lion King Reo Māori is a dream come true - he moemoea mo ngā mokopuna o apōpō," Winstanley said.
She and director Tweedie Waititi created Disney's Moana reo Māori version in 2017 which has been a frequently viewed movie in many homes of reo-speaking whānau, and in kōhanga and kura kaupapa across the motu.
The new release will be a welcome addition to reo Māori film selections, recreating storytelling for a new generation.
Celebrations kicked off with a whakatau from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, welcoming the Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, dignitaries and cast and crew, followed by speeches from the filmmakers.
The Lion King Reo Māori will be in cinemas in New Zealand and Australia from Thursday, and then on Disney+ later in the year.
The Māori language version for Walt Disney's Frozen developed by Matewa Media directors Tweedie Waititi and Chelsea Winstanley, will be available in cinemas in September.