Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen is a touching and inspirational documentary film that unfolds the story of a Maori woman - Merata Mita. Produced in New Zealand, the 2018 release intricately illustrates an unprecedented portrayal of indigenous voices in world cinema. The narrative of the documentary is not just a tale of an individual broke barriers but also serves as a profound statement on colonization and the flick's redefining endeavour of decolonization.

The film, aptly directed by Heperi Mita, one of Merata's sons, emerges as a compelling tribute to his mother who was an acclaimed filmmaker, a passionate activist, and, above all, an unflinching advocate for indigenous voices and narratives. Awatea Mita and Eruera 'Bob' Mita co-star along, singing praises of the late Merata Mita - a woman of substance who struggled, persevered and eventually carved her path in the New Zealand film industry and world cinema, characterized by her significant perspective.

The film delves into a deeply personal and intimate portrayal of Merata Mita's origin, her journey, and her audacious resilience, shaping the Maori representation in New Zealand cinema. Born in Maketu in 1942, Merata stood forth as a spokeswoman for the oppressed, the indigenous Maori communities. Her cinema was a brave testament of the Maori struggles she had been part of, a mirror held up to society to make them see the grave realities that needed to be discussed. The middle class's lack of concern, the socio-economic restrictions, the derogatory societal norms, the political suppression, nothing remained untouched by Merata's work, thereby seeking to decolonize the screen.

Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen is both well-timed and timeless. On one hand, it does an exquisite job at mapping the silhouettes of Merata's life and portraying in the foreground her extensive filmography - beginning from her debut film, Mauri to her widely acclaimed work in Patu! The archival footage of Merata's projects, interviews, snippets, combined with live-action clips, crafts an engaging amalgamation of the past, remarkably stitched with the present.

The film also triumphs in balancing the personal and the professional aspects of Merata's life. It familiarizes the audience with the emboldened filmmaker, the doting mother, and the staunch advocate of the Maori community's rights. Eruera 'Bob' Mita adds depth to the narrative as he talks about his relation with Merata, shedding light on her journey as a mother who provided for five children whilst embarking on an audacious plunge into an industry that rarely saw women, let alone indigenous ones.

The film also provides an interesting commentary on the subject of decolonization. The term 'decolonization' connotes freeing a territory, group or a thought process from the restrictions imposed by the colonizers, which is aptly reflected in Merata's work. Merata herself stated that her work aimed at 'decolonizing the screen' as her films focused on indigenous stories, placing them at the centre stage, deviating from the traditional narrative that favoured non-indigenous voices. This documentary, therefore, stands as the reiteration of that 'decolonization' where her life's journey - personal, professional and political, is meticulously portrayed on the screen.

Awatea Mita brings a passionate authenticity to his role, complimenting Hepi Mita's sensitive direction. The documentary doesn't shy away from showcasing the hardships and controversies Merata faced on her journey - be it the backlash from the conservative factions of society or the bitter dissolution of her personal relationship. However, the narrative never loses its essence of celebrating a woman who dared to challenge the status quo and redefined the 'normal'.

The cinematography is commendable, capturing the volatile New Zealand of the yesteryears and the serene Maori landscapes, reinforcing the heart of Merata’s indigenous narrative. Undeniably, the film has effectively decolonised the screen and endorsed the message of paying no heed to the societal boundaries and prejudices.

To summarize, Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen, is a compelling visual narrative that artfully aligns personal, cultural, and historical contexts into a singular, intimate portrait of a woman who dared to dream, struggle, and achieve. At the same time, it offers an insightful understanding of the complex concept of decolonization - truly a must-watch for anyone interested in the indigenous narrative and women-inspired cinema.