A short documentary showcasing indigenous food traditions in Wānaka has won Best Short Form Documentary at the 2025 Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) Awards.

MAHIKA KAI was made possible through the Monster Children x Lake Wānaka Tourism Short Film Awards, which promotes storytelling from the Queenstown Lakes region, with emerging filmmakers working alongside local production crews.

The film follows Tūmai Cassidy and his whānau as they work to rejuvenate ancestral lands through the practice of mahika kai—traditional Kāi Tahu food-gathering methods. 

“We’re incredibly proud to see MAHIKA KAI recognised at the AIDC awards,” Lake Wānaka Tourism head of destination Gizelle Regan said.

“These awards celebrate the best in documentary and factual content, drawing filmmakers, producers, and industry leaders from around the globe.” 

Gizelle said the award was a milestone for Wānaka as well as the filmmakers, “reinforcing its identity as a destination deeply rooted in place, values-driven tourism, and committed to meaningful storytelling”.

MAHIKA KAI was directed by Kieran Mpetyane Satour—a filmmaker of Gurindji, Pertame, Worimi, and Baloch (Afghan) heritage—and founder of GARUWA, a First Nations-owned and led production company. 

Watch MAHIKA KAI here.