Private Project

Nicholas Riini - TIFF DIRECTORS LAB - 2025

Sample clip from my short film - Koro.

  • Nicholas Te Hiko Riini
    Writer
  • Nicholas Te Hiko Riini
    Director
  • Simone Ashton
    Producer
  • Jim Moriaty
    Key Cast
    "Koro"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Completion Date:
    May 14, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 NZD
  • Country of Origin:
    New Zealand
  • Country of Filming:
    New Zealand
  • Language:
    English, Maori
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital.
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Nicholas Te Hiko Riini

NICHOLAS RIINI: Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Rangitihi, Te Arawa.
I have worked in the film industry for 22 years mostly in technical departments and the last 19years as a Gaffer. I have worked on everything from music videos to local and international television as well as local and international feature films here and abroad; from Rere te Whiu to The New Legend of Monkey, Born to Dance to Ghost in the Shell. My onset experience is vast and varied. It has provided me with a front-row seat to many storytelling and directing styles, and I’ve seen what has and hasn’t worked.
In 2016, I felt that it was time to move home with my whanau and take time to work on my own projects. Now living in Whakatane, not far from where my whanau still live, I have started writing stories that interest me. My favorite genre is fantasy, and the goal is to incorporate fantasy with my Maori culture into my stories.
I have written and directed several short films; these have given me the drive and inspiration to develop more of my scripts and stories.
I currently have a Feature Film in development with funding through the New Zealand Film Commission. I have a Producer onboard, Jill McNabb at Vendetta Films.
I am developing multiple scripts in many formats.
Filmography
A Morning with Aroha (SF) 2021 – Writer/Director
Whakarongo (SF) 2020 – Co-Writer/Director
Koro (SF) - Dec 2018 - Writer/Director
Our Secret (SF) - Apr 2007 - Writer/Director
A Morning with Aroha FF and Wins so far.

Rotorua indigenous film festival 2022. Winner best short film.
International Kids Film Festival 2022 Winner best drama.
New Zealand international film festival 2022. Special Mention.

SHORT FILMS:
https://vimeo.com/623109702 Password: Aroha2021
https://vimeo.com/334312446 Password: Koro2019

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I first read Shooting Stars, author Brian Falkner in 2020. It captured my attention immediately. I could resonate with the 15 year old main character Egan Tucker, as I was also raised in a remote village in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Aotearoa, New Zealand. I seemed to understand his want to stay true to himself and his ethics, but also explore the world. What will the audience get from this film? Truth and honesty of character, the environment that you area raised in will shape who you are, your spirit will hold true if you want it to.