New Zealand’s Whakaata Māori and Canada’s APTN have unveiled an international co-production partnership on “Māui & Elvis,” an adventure sci-fi comedy series for children and families spanning Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada.
\n\nThe two broadcasters unveiled the deal during the World Indigenous Broadcasters Network (WIBN) Conference, held this year in Sápmi, Norway.
\n\n“Māui & Elvis” draws together creative and broadcast talent from Māori and Métis/Cree communities across the two countries. The series follows two best friends, Māori character Māui from Aotearoa and Métis character Elvis from Canada, who set out to save Māui’s grandmother after an alien bent on world destruction takes over her body. It is set primarily in New Zealand’s South Island, with additional scenes in Vancouver, and draws on the Canterbury region’s landscapes and the Kaikōura Lights phenomenon.
\n\nTe reo Māori, the Māori language, will make up at least 30% of the series’ dialogue, with the production designed to keep tikanga Māori, or Māori cultural values and practices, integral to the story.
\n\nMétis/Cree series co-producer Camille Beaudoin said the project reflects shared Indigenous values. “At its heart, ‘Māui & Elvis’ is a story that celebrates the power of friendship, culture and found family through our shared values…
Original source: https://variety.com/v/tv/