Colonial sins demand blood.
Synopsis
Set in 1859, the film follows a young Māori woman who is summoned from New Zealand to North Yorkshire, and what begins as a journey into her past quickly turns into a nightmare when she uncovers the brutal colonial legacy that destroyed her family.
As buried truths surface, she is forced to confront the powerful Englishman responsible for her ancestors’ suffering - driven by grief, rage, and a need for justice, her mission becomes one of destruction - reclaiming her identity through blood and reckoning.
Her fight is not just personal, but spiritual, as the past refuses to stay buried and vengeance takes on a haunting, otherworldly form.
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About Mārama
Mārama marks the feature directorial debut of Taratoa Stappard, who also wrote the screenplay, where the film is described as a “genre-bending gothic horror feature,” merging historical drama with supernatural elements to explore the lasting scars of colonial violence.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and went on to screen at major genre festivals including Fantastic Fest, Sitges Film Festival, and AFI Fest, building strong momentum ahead of its theatrical release.
Filmed with a focus on atmosphere and historical authenticity, the film uses the stark landscapes of North Yorkshire to heighten its gothic tone and sense of isolation.
Director and Cast
Mārama is directed by Taratoa Stappard and the cast includes Ariāna Osborne, Toby Stephens, Umi Myers, Erroll Shand, Jordan Mooney, Mihi Te Rauhi Daniels and Turia Schmidt-Peke.
The cast brings to life a powerful and emotionally charged story rooted in cultural identity and historical reckoning.
Trailer
Images
Release Date
Mārama is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on April 17, 2026, opening in select locations, with a wider rollout expected to follow.