Maori get pigeonholed into the idea they're spiritual and telling stories like 'Whale Rider' and 'Once Were Warriors,' quite serious stuff, but we're pretty funny people, and we never really have had an opportunity to show that side of ourselves, the clumsy, nerdy side of ourselves, which is something I am.

I think I'm a better filmmaker than actor, so I already know that. That's OK. I can handle not being a famous actor.

The stuff I'm passionate about is what I write; it isn't multi-million-dollar franchise movies.

Taika Waititi Quotes