NZ Film Mahana has been selected to open the inaugural WINDA Indigenous Film Festival in Sydney tomorrow.
It is the first time the festival has been held in Australia.
Mahana is directed by Lee Tamahori, the director of the critically acclaimed film Once Were Warriors.
Five Maori short films will also be showcased at the festival which aims to bring more indigenous stories to Australian audiences.
WINDA Artistic Director, Pauline Clague paid tribute to filmmakers.
"From the outback to the snow the visuals may be different but the stories resonate a truth across the indigenous storyline," she said.
WINDA is an Aboriginal word for stars in the local Gumbangia language.
It is supported by Screen Australia, Screen New South Wales and the indigenous television network, NITV.
Mahana will screen beside the Sydney Opera House to open the festival.