Film-maker Chelsea Winstanley has won a prestigious award for her outstanding contribution to the art form.
Ms Winstanley, of Ngati Ranginui, will be presented with the 'Women in Film & Television Mana Wahine Award' at a special ceremony on 30 May in Wairoa.
Chelsea Winstanley Photo: Kane Skennar
The award's competition panel said they selected Ms Winstanley because she is leading the way internationally for other up-and-coming Māori women film makers by her willingness to reach out and tell Māori stories.
The producer and director was part of the team that produced the successful vampire horror-comedy, What We Do In The Shadows, and has been in the film and television industry for 14 years.
Ms Winstanley said she felt humbled and honoured by the accolade and acknowledged the Māori women film makers who came before her.
"I'm part of a really lucky generation. I think about those Māori women who have paved the way for me, and others like me in my generation, to be able to be part of the industry. Their road was tough and their road was hard, not only being Maori, but being a women in this industry is really hard."
Ms Winstanley has been an executive board member of Ngā Aho Whakaari (Māori in Screen) and a governance board member of WIFT Auckland.
