The film Mō Te Iwi: Carving For The People was first screened at the NZ International Film Festival which describes the film as 'detailing the intimate life journey of Rangi Hetet, a master artist in the craft of traditional Māori carving'.
Rangi (now aged 87) was reluctant to be filmed but with encouragement from his whānau he gave himself over to the process led by film-maker Robin Greenberg.
This film is the last of a trilogy. Greenberg had worked with the Hetet whānau on two other documentary films: Tū Tangata - Weaving For The People; and He Waka Hono Tangata - A Canoe That Unites The People.
When asked to describe Mō Te Iwi in 'exactly 8 words' - Greenberg said "Inspirational life and community of carver Rangi Hetet".
Greenberg and cinematographer Waka Attewell, travelled with the Rangi and his whānau to Waihi on the shores of Lake Taupo, where his life as a carver began at the age of 17.
The film's trailer shows the wharenui Tapeka where Rangi began his apprenticeship first with Tohunga Whakairo Eramiha Kapua and then under Hone Taiapa.
View the film's trailer below
Go here to view the feature-length documentary film Mō Te Iwi: Carving For The People