Sima Urale migrated from Samoa to New Zealand with her family in 1974. After graduating from the New Zealand Drama School Toi Whakaari o Aotearoa in 1989 and beginning a career in theatrical performance in New Zealand, Urale was drawn to filmmaking as a more immediate form of expression that could reach wider audiences.
At the forefront of younger filmmakers telling Pacific stories, Urale is not only influenced by her Samoan heritage but also by the urban cultural mix.
Frustrated with stereotypical media representations of Polynesian culture, Urale looks beyond superficial characterisation and delves into complex social issues and family relationships in both Polynesian and pakeha culture. A distinctly visual storyteller, she uses meticulously composed production design, dialogue-sparse character interaction and expressive sound design to create a richly cinematic world.
Sima Urale has directed award-winning music clips, as well as short films and documentaries, such as Still life 2004 and Velvet Dreams 1997. Her work has screened at international film festivals including Telluride, Sundance, Locarno and Montreal. Screening details are available on the filmmakers page.
Australian Cinémathèque, GoMA
A full-colour publication is available from the Gallery Store.
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Street address
Stanley Place
South Bank
Brisbane
Australia
Postal address
PO Box 3686
South Brisbane
Queensland 4101
Australia
Telephone
+ 61 (0)7 3840 7303
Fax
+ 61 (0)7 3844 8865
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 9.00am - 5.00pm
ABN
66 758 806 810
