MOA HUNT

After years of unverified sightings of Moa in the remote Urewera Ranges, five cryptozoology students set out to prove once and for all the existence of this supposed extinct species. However, a dark and twisted form of evolution has been taking place in the back blocks, and soon the hunters become the hunted.

A “A "NATHAN FROST" FILM” FILM
WRITTEN BY NATHAN FROST

Five cryptozoology students embark on an expedition in the Urewera Ranges to prove the supposed extinct Moa is in fact alive and well in the remote back blocks of midland NZ. Early success; in the form the of Moa tracks discovered two days into the ranges, sees couples Mark and Susan, David and Heather, and Ngai Tuhoe descendent Hemi, sit sharing the warmth and light of a camp fire contemplating the accolades and success awaiting them. Out of nowhere, a super-creepy hunter bursts into their camp-site uninvited. Lecherously staring at the females in the party, and being overly aggressive towards the males, he gives them a warning. ‘Turn around and go home, there are things in these ranges you don’t understand…, bad things.’ As he stands to leave the hunter suddenly grabs Hemi by the shoulders and says something to him in Maori, before stumbling back out into the darkness of the bush. Unsettled the non-Maori members of the expedition ask Hemi what the hell the hunter said to him. Hemi tells them that just because he’s Maori, doesn't mean he understands the language. But as carnivorous avian predators start picking the students off one by one, Hemi had better get in touch with the warrior ways of ancestors if he’s to stand any chance of getting home alive.