Private Project

Portrait of a Quiet Revolutionary

This 50-minute documentary celebrates a gamechanger, a man whose measured style and sharp intellect bought clarity and hope to Māori and the global indigenous struggle. Nicknamed the “Whispering Jesus” by his cousin Ngahiwi Tomoana, Moana was renowned for the calm and reasoned manner in which he delivered such revolutionary messages.

  • Toby Mills
    Director
  • Moana Maniapoto
    Director
  • Toby Mills
    Producer
  • Moana Maniapoto
    Producer
  • Moana Jackson
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Web / New Media
  • Runtime:
    50 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 6, 2022
  • Country of Origin:
    New Zealand
  • Country of Filming:
    New Zealand
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    DIgital HD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • https://e-tangata.co.nz/reflections/portrait-of-a-quiet-revolutionary/
    Auckland
    New Zealand
    May 13, 2022
Distribution Information
  • Toby Mills
    Sales Agent
    Country: New Zealand
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Toby Mills, Moana Maniapoto

BIO - Toby Mills (Ngāti Hinerangi)
Toby has worked extensively in the film and television industry over a period of 25 years with some 25 mainstream documentaries to his credit as well as numerous series and other film projects, including the first Māori language short film Te Po Uriuri / The Enveloping Night. Works include Black Grace, Waka Warriors, Mending the Mākotuku, The Russians are Coming and The Negotiators. Many have screened at international film festivals in Australia, USA, Canada, England, Turkey, Germany, Sweden, Russia and Finland.
Recent projects include Conversations (E-Tangata/NZ Herald 6x 15mins), The Negotiators (7 x 30mins), Waka (6 short documentaries on canoe building) and presently just completed Moana Jackson - Portrait of a Quiet Revolutionary and feature documentary - Whetū Mārama / Bright Star.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Tawera Productions Ltd - Toby Mills
Ko Weraiti te maunga, Ko Waihou te awa, Ko Ngāti Hinerangi te iwi, Ko Ngāti Tawhaki te hapū, Ko Tainui te waka.

My involvement in the creative industries began as an actor, before I moved into roles as a filmmaker, producer, director, tour and stage manager and entrepreneur. What I most enjoy about working in this industry is the power storytelling has to transform lives.

Years as an actor alerted me to the constantly negative portrayal of Māori in the screen industry. Wanting to change that perception, I decided to produce work that showcases Māori as vibrant, positive and evolving people, still dealing with challenging yet exciting issues. For the last 25 years, I have been developing my voice as a filmmaker. Tawera Productions is a foundation for this work and has allowed me to produce, direct and create numerous pieces that I’m very proud of. My vision is to make films and television programs that can create meaningful discussion. As a small boutique company, our team are proud of being fussy; of a focus on ideas that we are truly passionate about. To this end, some of our films have screened internationally and are distributed through tertiary institutions, both in New Zealand and overseas.

Based at West Auckland’s Muriwai Beach, whether I’m filming, touring or at home, I revel in my most challenging role of all - father to my 14 year-old daughter, Manawanui.