Hina Shares New Music Video for ‘River To Mouth’

Tāmaki Makaurau songwriter Hina unveils the new video for River To Mouth, the latest chapter from her acclaimed debut album Descending Dreams. Directed by Andy Morton, and made with the support of NZ On Air, the River To Mouth video brings the song’s themes of Indigenous experience, resilience and empowerment into focus. While its kaupapa is woven through the lyrics, Hina says the song is ultimately about acknowledging the realities of living in a post-colonial society, while finding the strength to rise regardless.

Filmed at Hina’s friend Aila’s home and working flower farm, Hands In The Dirt, in Ahuroa, the shoot became a family affair, with Hina’s parents, Morton’s whānau and Aila’s family all involved. Despite temperatures dropping to around three degrees and Hina battling the flu in sheer gowns, the day became a deeply personal experience, particularly when she saw footage of tamariki running through the perennial garden.

“Something caught in my chest just watching the shot on the monitor, and I completely teared up. I think it was a mixture of how perfectly everything captured the kaupapa of the song, and how incredible it was to have this whole team of people working on a video for a song I’d written in my bedroom. It was incredibly moving and something I will forever treasure.”

For Hina, the video also reflects the unexpected possibilities of collaboration. “Working with Andy was such a joy. His ideas totally nailed everything I wanted to convey with the song, in a way that I never even thought possible. Such is the beauty of collaboration.”

Hina releases this video off the back of a huge year for the independent wahine songwriter, releasing her debut album Descending Dreams, earning an APRA Silver Scrolls longlist nod for Coucou!, a sold-out Auckland release show, and Hina firmly stepping into her own as one of Aotearoa’s most poignant artists.

Photo Credit: Andy Morton