Documentary on New Zealand music sensation Marlon Williams.

Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao E Rua - Two Worlds is an intimate journey following Williams over the course of four years, his journey of touring, returning home, writing and recording an album in te reo Māori. 

To invite a camera crew into your life and to witness the personal journey of learning a language, the process recorded for all is incredibly exposing, filmmaker Ursula Grace Williams always treats Williams with respect. There are epic moments of playing to large crowds and quiet moments of learning subtle pronunciations, and also comedic moments regarding feet and opening wine bottles. We are invited in to see a honest period of Marlon Williams’ life as he developed his reo skills to create a beautiful album. 

There is always something that warms the soul to see Aotearoa on the big screen, we are invited into personal homes and see smaller towns, it’s filmed in a loving way, making the audience swell with kiwi pride. These intimate moments create the strongest sense of ‘home’ for a man who has travelled far and wide and been away for long periods of time. The documentary is much as a love letter to his home in Ōhinehou (Lyttleton) as his journey to connect deeper to te reo Māori. 

As many musicians before, Marlon Williams has found success overseas and we travel with him on tour through Australia, Europe and the US. There is a significant amount of international aroha Williams receives, which means that this album is even more important, delivering te reo Māori to an expecting worldwide audience. The collaboration and friendship with Ella (Lorde) goes to show that no matter how large the stage may be, Kiwis still connect. 

Marlon Williams is honest in his journey, he isn’t fluent and is aware that creating this album is about progress and not perfection. It makes this a relatable journey, very honest and raw. But Williams isn’t alone, he surrounds himself with friends, family and lifelong bandmates to join him on this journey of learning. 

Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao E Rua - Two Worlds is a brief snippet into the life of a hardworking, successful kiwi musician. Being invited into his life is a privilege that any fan (old or new) would thoroughly enjoy. Recommended listening afterwards would of course be the album itself Te Whare Tīwekaweka.

★★★★.5