Poi (film)

Poi is a 2016 New Zealand comedy-drama film directed by Matasila Freshwater. It tells the story of a young Māori boy named Poi, played by Tanehuta Gray, who is taken into state care after his grandmother becomes unable to care for him.

The film follows Poi's journey as he navigates the foster care system, moving between different homes and dealing with the challenges of being separated from his family and culture. He encounters both positive and negative experiences, struggling with feelings of displacement and loneliness.

Throughout the film, Poi's Māori heritage plays a significant role, with themes of cultural identity and the importance of family and community being central to the narrative. The film also explores the social issues surrounding Māori children in state care, highlighting the disproportionate representation of Māori within the system.

Poi (film) was generally well-received for its heartfelt portrayal of a young boy's experiences within the foster care system and its exploration of Māori culture. It garnered attention for its authentic representation of Māori characters and its sensitive handling of complex social issues. The film features dialogue primarily in English, with some use of Te Reo Māori (the Māori language).