Director, writer, actor, and comedian Taika Waititi's work first came into the spotlight with his Oscar-nominated short Two Cars, One Night. That early film exhibited many of the traits Waititi is now associated with: an affinity for directing young actors, as in Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople; an idiosyncratic sense of humour, on display in Eagle vs Shark and What We Do in the Shadows; and a particularly perceptive and empathetic approach to often marginalized characters.
Waititi's compassionate tendencies extend beyond his filmmaking, too. He has been outspoken about the environmental, economic, and societal issues facing his native New Zealand; he has fronted a Human Rights Commission anti-racism campaign; and, while directing Thor: Ragnarok in Australia, he prioritized the hiring of Indigenous Australian and Maori cast and crew members. As he works on his latest film, Jojo Rabbit, we're delighted he's taking the time to discuss his life in front of, behind, and away from the camera with TIFF's Artistic Director, Cameron Bailey.