DIRECTOR

Born to Scottish and Tongan parents who met in Fiji, Mia loves an interesting storyline.

After 25+ years acting in film and TV, Mia moved behind the camera as a director for New Zealand’s iconic soap; Shortland Street. With 100+ episodes under her belt, Mia wrote and directed her first short film, PAYBACK. Set in a welfare department, PAYBACK is a punchy black comedy that cleverly reflects the state of the nation. The film premiered at the NZ International Film Festival, followed by Show Me Shorts Film Festival and Māoriland Film Festival. This coming May, her music video for rising star, Len Blake, will be released.

After receiving development funding through NZ On Air and PISA, Mia continues to develop her gritty TV series MAUSIA. Mia’s interest in social issues and stories representing her Tongan heritage are driving factors in her work.