Ata Puao

The promise of a new day

A tender portrait of self-discovery and young adulthood, Ata Puao traces a Maori trans woman, Hiwa, as she navigates the unfamiliar terrain of Auckland City on the night of her 21st birthday. In a chapter of life marked by the people who guide us, Hiwa grapples with the fragile bonds of old friendships she fears she's outgrown. Caught between moments of danger, isolation, and unexpected connection, she must decide whether to stay tethered to her past or embrace a new sense of belonging. The directorial debut short film from Allie Howell offers a poetic reflection on identity, chosen family, and the resilience required to find one's place in the world.

Trailer...