Animation is proving to be one of the best ways to revitalise Indigenous languages. Wellington and Galway are both UNESCO Creative Cities of Film. They have partnered to celebrate and protect their taonga through this colourful art form. 

Three people at the Irish Animation Awards

Aotearoa and Ireland have much in common. An inaugural animation exchange has highlighted another commonality: a shared desire to protect and promote their respective Indigenous languages. Animators Seth Parata Stewart of Wellington and Siobhán Ní Thuairisg of Galway were selected for the exchange. They shared their respective work in Te Reo Māori and Irish Language/Gaelic to an international audience. Each visited the other’s city, where they completed a residency and attended local festivals. 

Seth came to animation film-making in 2020. He participated in the MATCH creative intensifier program organised by the Māoriland Trust. Located in Ōtaki, the intensifier offered a  learning environment where Seth honed his skills. While on her visit to New Zealand, Siobhán also spent time in Ōtaki. She experienced the of local creatives first-hand at the Māoriland Film Festival. Speaking to IFTN, Siobhán said, “The exchange shows the future for minority languages is through international collaboration and solidarity.”  

While on his Galway exchange, Seth visited several animation studios. These included Telegael, Studio Meala, and Little Moon Animation. He shadowed the teams and experienced Irish language animation content creation. Travelling with Seth were Māoriland’s Libby Hakaraia and Maddy de Young, and Tanya Black from Screen Wellington. Chris Payne and Bevin Linkhorn from the New Zealand Film Commission also joined the trip. While overseas, the group attended industry events. 

Capitalising on these networking opportunities is key to fostering international co-production and talent development. 

Five people at the Wellington and Galway Indigenous Language Exchange.

Following the success of the exchange, it was spotlighted on the global stage. First in France at the Annecy Animation Film Festival, then again in Paris at the UNESCO Creative Cities AGM. The exchange’s extensive coverage shows the support and demand within the industry for non-English productions. 

While in Annecy, Screen Wellington supported four local up-and-coming creatives. The team also showcased the region’s post-graduate creative study pathways at VUW, Massey, and Yoobee. This work furthers Wellington’s reputation as the best place for students seeking careers in the sector. 

The Indigenous Animators Exchange was commissioned by Screen Wellington, Galway City of Film and Māoriland. It was generously supported by Ardán, TG4, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Galway City Council, Galway County Council and the New Zealand Film Commission.

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