Mika Haka Kids (2008)

Directed by award-winning journalist Maramena Roderick, MIKA HAKA Kids tells the story of the Maori entertainer Mika's seven-year project moulding raw teenagers into a professional dance crew, resulting in critically acclaimed performances at the Edinburgh Festival and tours to Fukuoka, Montreal, Sydney and Adelaide. Over time, hundreds of teenagers were involved in the project. The documentary focuses on the experiences of four: Taupuhi Toki, Kasina Campbell, Renee Winter and Mokoera Te Amo. It also reveals a new of Mika as he realises that he isn't just teaching them dance, but also life, work, discipline and social skills, becoming both mentor and surrogate parent. Dance coach Mark James Hamilton, co-creator of the MIKA HAKA stage show, provides a contemplative balance to Mika's edgy creative entrepreneur.