Building a film whānau
For Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) (MFA (CP)) student Claudia Puti Holmstead-Morris, film is all about community.
“The best part about studying film has been the sense of accomplishment from finishing a project with my fellow MFA students,” Claudia says. “We develop such a close bond through the creative process, coming up with ideas together and solving challenges.
“We have become a whānau and I hope to continue working with them after we finish our degrees.”
Claudia is just about to complete her one-year Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) in Film. Throughout the year, Claudia has worked on several films, capping off the year by directing her own original film Tokorua Hei Kotahi (Two As One).
The film follows a young Māori/Pakeha girl, Anahera, who is experiencing the grief and loss of cultural connection after the passing of her nanny. In the days following and preparing for the tangi, Ana’s grief externalises as a mirror version of herself which becomes more prevalent as she disconnects.
“The film is based on some experiences I have had in my life, as I have struggled to connect with my identity and feeling unworthy or not enough to claim my whakapapa,” Claudia says. “In my growth over the past few years and in writing the film, I am starting to be more comfortable in telling my story and with that learning more about myself and my whakapapa.
“I really wanted to bring to light experiences people in Aotearoa go through, but also other mixed people around the world with the internal anxieties in connecting with their identities.”
Claudia says the absolute highlight of making this film, and of her degree, was being given permission to film at Waiwhetū Marae.
“With the help of my cultural advisor and mentor, I was able to develop relationships and build the trust that ultimately led to the honour of being able to film at Waiwhetū Marae. I had wanted to film there ever since the script was conceived. We filmed at Waiwhetū on 15 November 2022, and the day was beautiful and everything we could’ve hoped for.”
In general, Claudia says the relationships she has built have greatly supported her studies and future career in film.
“The professors and tutors in the Film department facilitated a positive learning experience which made me want to pursue the Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) in Film. Since being enrolled in the Master’s programme, I have learned a lot about the film industry in a professional setting. I have felt very supported not only by the staff but also by the other students in my degree.”
Claudia has loved collaborating with her friends on films through her studies.
“The MFA is very stimulating, but also very hard work—you’re doing something almost every day. Luckily, during production I’m usually working with my friends, which is great—especially because we’re so busy it’s nice to be able to still spend time together.
“Also, spending time with whānau and friends can be as beneficial as the filmmaking itself as you get to express ideas for current and future projects.”
Claudia says her biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to study film would be to build those supportive relationships.
“Develop relationships with people, if they are in the industry or not, as building your network will always push you up and benefit you in the future. Networking comes in all shapes and sizes and doesn’t have to be formal—you can always go and have a drink with a bunch of professionals or have a potluck,” Claudia says. “And follow up with people you’ve met, establish those connections and if you see them again, say hello to strengthen the relationships. You never know who you might meet on the next set.”
Film involves a lot of hard work, and a lot of problem-solving your way out of tricky spots, Claudia says. She is constantly on the go, producing, doing admin work for films, and solving current challenges while also looking ahead to the next project. However, she says getting involved in everything and working hard at every opportunity is really beneficial in building a film career.
“Come on as a runner and move up the ranks because others can see your worth, passion and hunger for learning,” Claudia says.
Getting involved in everything has meant learning how to balance everything, Claudia says.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that you really need to go with the flow and keep reminding yourself that everything doesn’t have to be perfect—that’s where you find the magic; in a mistake you can find something better than you planned.”
Claudia says every film she works on helps her refine her craft and broaden her skills, and she learns something new every time.
“Every film is different and that keeps things interesting, presenting its own challenges that you haven't faced before but can take to the next film and apply the skills there.”
After she graduates, Claudia will take up a job at Wingnut Films in the Cinesound Department. She completed an internship there during her MFA, and after graduation she will return there to continue a project digitising sound from tapes recorded between the 1930s and 1980s and preserving them in a digital library. Claudia grew up in the eastern suburbs of Wellington and attended school right next to Wētā Workshop & Park Road Post, so this role will continue a lifetime of a close relationship with film and the film industry.
Long-term, Claudia hopes to stay involved in many areas of the film industry.
“Don’t ask me for a five-year plan because it'll change in a week,” she says. “Hopefully develop my skills in Sound Design, Focus Pulling/1st Assistant Camera and Cinematography, while also directing films that tell stories that aren’t shown enough.”
Claudia hopes to try her hand in the international film market, but ultimately, she wants to say connected to the Aotearoa film industry and develop talent and stories to make the local industry thrive.
“I remember being on set for MFA films last year and really looking up to the students in that cohort for their drive, passion and willingness to teach. I hope the person I was last year would look up to the person I am now and the same with tomorrow.”
Built with Shorthand