Renae Maihi
Mana Films
A global Indigenous film company.
OUR EYES. OUR WORLD. OUR STORIES.
Changing the world and BREAKING THE SCREEN with Indigenous cinema.
OUR MISSION
To produce groundbreaking narrative films that inspire the world to see itself and us through Indigenous eyes.
OUR STORY
Mana Films was founded in 2017 by filmmaker Renae Maihi with the support of The Māori Women’s Development Initiative, with the mission to produce ethically led films that empower all who engage with us — both behind the screen and in front of it.
Mana Films champions Indigenous authorship, creative sovereignty, and kaupapa Māori leadership in the global film landscape. We believe the most powerful cinema is made when stories are born from lived experience, cultural truth, and spiritual depth.
The company holds Intellectual Property Rights to thirteen titles, spanning produced and in-development feature films. With each work, Mana Films builds on its legacy of bold, transformative storytelling — and remains committed to excellence, integrity, and Indigenous leadership at the highest level.
OUR VALUES
Ngākau Whakaute
RESPECT
Honor for living mana extended to all — encompassing people, stories, lands, ancestors, and all life in our universe.
Mā Pango, Mā Whero
COLLABORATION
Working in partnership with Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to create bold, globally resonant cinema.
Whāia te Iti Kahurangi
EXCELLENCE
Pursuing brilliance in every stage of filmmaking, from kaupapa to final cut.
OUR SLATE
Mana Films is developing a powerful slate of Indigenous-led narrative film projects grounded in cultural truth, spiritual depth, and cinematic ambition. These works span dramatic, supernatural, historical, and adventure genres — unified by Indigenous values and a commitment to global excellence.
We are actively collaborating with Indigenous-led production companies in Aotearoa and Canada, reflecting our commitment to Indigenous solidarity and shared storytelling across nations.
Our slate includes projects in development, production, and post.
Further details are available to collaborators and industry stakeholders by request.
Mana. The divine inherited power passed on to humankind and all living things which is the essence of self-determination, pride, potential and hope.