White Lies

Based on the novella Medicine Woman by Witi Ihimaera, White Lies is about the nature of identity -- and looks at those who deny it and those who strive to protect it. Paraiti (Whirimako Black) is the healer and midwife of her rural, tribal people, and believes in life. But new laws prohibit unlicensed healers from practicing. On a rare trip to the city, Paraiti is approached by Maraea (Rachel House), the servant of a wealthy woman, Rebecca (Antonia Prebble), who seeks her knowledge and assistance to hide a secret that could destroy Rebecca's position in European settler society. If the secret is uncovered a life may be lost, but hiding it may also have fatal consequences.