Poi E: The Story of Our Song
Synopsis
Written and directed by Tearepa Kahi (Mt Zion) and starring Maaka Pohatu (The Modern Maori Quartet, Two Little Boys) the film tells the story of musician Dalvanius Prime and the origin of the song “Poi E”, a ground-breaking fusion of 1980s pop and traditional Māori music. “Poi E”, composed by Dalvanius and Ngoingoi Pēwhairangi and performed by the Patea Māori Club, remains the only song in Te Reo Māori to reach No 1 in the charts, over 30 years since its 1984 release.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Poi E: The Story of Our Song Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2016-06-17
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
Premiered at the Civic Theatre, Auckland, as the opening night film of the 2016 New Zealand International Film Festival.
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Tearepa Kahi
- Screenplay & Story
- Tearepa Kahi
- Original Title
- Poi E: The Story of Our Song
- Country of Origin
- New Zealand
- Spoken Languages
- English, Maori
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Production Studios
- Pātea Film Collective, Jawbone Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Tearepa Kahi
Tearepa Kahi
Fred Renata, Jos Wheeler
Tearepa Kahi, Francis Glenday
Alexander Behse, Reikura Kahi, Tearepa Kahi
Department Leadership Roster
Tearepa Kahi
Director
Tearepa Kahi
Writer
Fred Renata
Director of Photography
Savage
Production Design
Alexander Behse
Producer
Reikura Kahi
Producer
Tearepa Kahi
Producer
Tearepa Kahi
Editor
Francis Glenday
Editor
Gavin McLean
Costume Design
Jos Wheeler
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Poi E: The Story of Our Song.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Poi E: The Story of Our Song.
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Wanted
New Zealand Feature Films
Although New Zealand movies were being made from the early days of film-making, modern film-making started in 1977.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Poi E: The Story of Our Song
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Poi E: The Story of Our Song about?
Written and directed by Tearepa Kahi (Mt Zion) and starring Maaka Pohatu (The Modern Maori Quartet, Two Little Boys) the film tells the story of musician Dalvanius Prime and the origin of the song “Poi E”, a ground-breaking fusion of 1980s pop and traditional Māori music. “Poi E”, composed by Dalvanius and Ngoingoi Pēwhairangi and performed by the Patea Māori Club, remains the only song in Te Reo Māori to reach No 1 in the charts, over 30 years since its 1984 release.
Who directed Poi E: The Story of Our Song?
Poi E: The Story of Our Song was directed by Tearepa Kahi.
Who stars in Poi E: The Story of Our Song?
The principal cast of Poi E: The Story of Our Song includes Dalvanius Prime, Ngoingoi Pēwhairangi, Pātea Māori Club, Barletta Prime, Maaka Pohatu.
When was Poi E: The Story of Our Song released and how long is it?
Poi E: The Story of Our Song was released in 2016 with a total runtime of 1h 33m.