Mixed Up

Jess's wooden spoon scrapes against the sides of a ceramic bowl as she stirs a rich, dark sauce simmering on the stovetop. She seems lost in thought, the gentle hum of the burner the only sound that breaks the silence. The camera captures the intimate moment, an invitation into Jess's world. As she quietly cooks, stories of culture, identity, and belonging unfold around her. In this small, tidy studio, Jess's introspection serves as the foundation for a broader conversation in New Zealand today. Jess is joined by Hannah, an Asian-Niuean woman with a passion for weaving traditional textiles. Her hands move deftly as she weaves a vibrant, handmade fabric. The camera lingers on her face, and we catch glimpses of her longing for her homeland. The memories are bittersweet, a mix of pride and shame as Hannah navigates her place within multiple cultures. Next, we meet Elizabeth, a proud Latinx woman with a love for her heritage. Her kitchen is filled with the bold flavors of Mexico and Central America. As she chops an onion, her hands move with precision and speed, a testament to the time she's spent perfecting traditional recipes. Elizabeth's warmth and laughter are infectious, drawing us into her world. Her story is a testament to the power of food in bridging cultural divides. Nicky, a Fijian-Indian woman, enters the scene, her hands gently kneading a mixture of rice and lentils. The soothing motion contrasts with the turbulent memories she harbors. Nicky's experiences are a reflection of the broader struggle faced by women of colour in New Zealand - a sense of disconnection from their heritage, as they navigate a society that often doesn't understand or value their culture. Lastly, there's Matilda, a bright and energetic young woman of Samoan and European descent. Her enthusiasm is contagious as she prepares a traditional Samoan dish. The camera captures her hands moving with purpose, her laughter and smile a beacon of joy. Matilda's story is one of hope and resilience, a testament to the enduring legacy of culture and family. Through Jess's introspection and the stories of these five women, we find parallels and commonalities across their experiences. The women of colour in this film navigate complex emotions - pride and shame, longing and inspiration. These feelings are rooted in their cultural heritage, the weight of tradition and expectation that comes with it. As we watch the women cook, we see more than just recipes - we see the threads of culture, family, and identity. We see the ways in which food can bring us together, bridging the gaps between cultures and communities. The women in this film are not just cooks; they are storytellers, weaving tales of their ancestors, their traditions, and their experiences. The camera pans out, and we see Jess's studio in a new light. The walls, once bare, are now filled with vibrant fabric and colorful ceramics. The space has become a microcosm of the women's cultures, a testament to the power of food and storytelling. As the camera lingers on the final dish, a delicious, aromatic feast, we're reminded that food is more than just sustenance - it's a window into our past, a bridge to our present, and a key to our future. In the end, Jess's recipe becomes a symbol of the women's collective story. The dish represents the fusion of cultures, the beauty of diversity, and the resilience of women of colour in New Zealand today. As we watch the women take their first bites, we're invited to join them, to taste the richness of their stories, and to share in the feast of culture, tradition, and belonging.