Ava DuVernay's ARRAY Releasing Acquires MERATA

By: Jan. 29, 2019
Get Access To Every Broadway Story

Unlock access to every one of the hundreds of articles published daily on BroadwayWorld by logging in with one click.




Existing user? Just click login.

Ava DuVernay's ARRAY Releasing Acquires MERATA

ARRAY Releasing has acquired the 2019 Sundance and Berlinale Film Festivals Official Selections, MERATA. Directed by film archivist Heperi 'Hepi' Mita. A documentary portrait of the pioneering indigenous filmmaker and activist Merata Mita, MERATA is an intimate tribute from a son about his mother that delves into the life of the first woman from an Indigenous Nation to solely direct a film anywhere in the world. ARRAY has acquired distribution rights for the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. The announcement was made today by ARRAY Founder, filmmaker Ava DuVernay.
Known as the grandmother of Indigenous cinema, Merata's independent political documentaries of the '70s and '80s highlighted injustices for M?ori people, and often DIVIDED the country. Mita was fearless in her life, her activism and her art. Chronicling the director's journey to decolonize the film and television screens of New Zealand and the world, the film documents her work, her early struggles with her family and her drive for social justice that often proved personally dangerous.
"Through his film, director Heperi Mita introduces a new generation to an artist and cultural leader that everyone should know. We at ARRAY are honored to distribute this beautiful film about the legacy, dignity and talent of the great filmmaker, mother and icon, Merata Mita," stated ARRAY's Vice President Tilane Jones.
"There are so many similarities between ARRAY's philosophy and Merata's legacy. To have a company led by a woman of color, fearless in her pursuit of inclusivity, is an honor and in the spirit of Merata's life's work," said MERATA producer Chelsea Winstanley.
The deal for the film, previously programmed as MERATA: HOW MUM DECOLONISED THE SCREEN, was negotiated by Gordon Bobb of Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finkelstein & Lezcano on behalf of ARRAY as well MERATA producer Chelsea Winstanley for the filmmakers.

Play Broadway Games

The Broadway Match-UpTest and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia? The Broadway ScramblePlay the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
Tony Awards TriviaHow well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends. Broadway World GameCan you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!

 



Videos