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Trailblazing Māori artist Theia has collaborated with the feature film MĀRAMA and award-winning composer Karl Sölve Steven to create an epic anthem of Indigenous unity.
Holy War II is a reimagined version of the opening track from her debut album Girl, In A Savage World. The power of the song is paralleled in the accompanying video, weaving together clips from the film with a chilling performance from Theia and fellow wāhine toa (strong women).
The collaboration with Theia (Waikato, Ngaati Tiipaa, Ngaati Aamaru) on Holy War II brings together music and moving image in a work that amplifies the film’s themes through Theia’s unmistakable sonic and political voice. Her work is synonymous with unflinching storytelling and emotionally charged performances – qualities that align powerfully with the world and narrative of MĀRAMA.
“Many of the songs on my album GIRL, IN A SAVAGE WORLD represent Indigenous resistance to imperialism – like the themes which run throughout Mārama. After watching an early screening of the film, I started to envisage ‘Holy War’ being rearranged to include aspects of Mārama’s sonic palette and I was thrilled to work with Karl Sölve Steven on this,” comments Theia.
This collaboration represents a powerful creative convergence between music and film, amplifying MĀRAMA’s cultural influence while expanding Theia’s uncompromising artistic vision into the cinematic realm. The Holy War II music video was directed, filmed and edited by Shae Stirling.
“Holy War II is imbued with the anger and pain colonisation inflicted on my people. You hear this in the reo kootike waahine Maaori (Maaori female soprano voices) commanding the listener to hear our plea for the end of conflict. This high level of mamae is also evident in the video; and yet the steadfast hope and importance of female solidarity beams through,” she adds.
“Theia’s music and especially this new collaboration with Holy War II amplifies MĀRAMA‘s energy and themes. Along with a powerful score by Karl Sölve Steven & Rob Thorne, Theia offers a unique sonic lens through which audiences can engage with MĀRAMA’s cultural and political impact before they even see it,” comments the films writer and director Taratoa Stappard.
MĀRAMA is Taratoa’s striking feature debut and was released nationwide in New Zealand on February 12. Following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the 2025 Discovery programme, celebrated for spotlighting bold new cinematic voices, MĀRAMA has continued an impressive global festival run. The film has screened at Fantastic Fest, the Zurich Film Festival, and Sitges, and later this month will screen at both the Hawai‘i International Film Festival and AFI Fest, further cementing its reputation as a standout new voice in Māori Gothic cinema.Set in the moody world of Victorian-era North Yorkshire, MĀRAMA follows a young Māori woman’s battle to reclaim her identity and reconnect with her Indigenous culture while living in a foreign land.
