Taika David Waititi

of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui decent

Taika Waititi (born 16 August 1975), also known as Taika Cohen, is a New Zealand-born film director, writer, painter, comedian and actor named as one of Variety's "ten new directors to watch" in 2007.

His 2010 film Boy has done very well in New Zealand, eclipsing several records, and will be released in at least seven cities in the U.S. beginning 2 March 2012. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his 2003 short film Two Cars, One Night.

Taika Waititi’s films have earned an international following. His much-lauded short film, Two Cars, One Night, was Oscar-nominated in 2005. His subsequent short Tama Tū and debut feature Eagle vs Shark showcased his trademark deadpan humour and startling visuals.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taika_Waititi

Taika Waititi is of Te-Whānau-ā-Apanui descent and hails from the Raukokore region of the East Coast. He grew up on the East Coast and in Wellington, and attended Victoria University as an arts student.