The Maori Merchant of Venice tells Shakespeare’s story of conflict between Antonio, a Christian merchant, and Shylock, a Jewish moneylender and the resolution provided by a strong woman, Portia.

Set in the 17th Century cosmopolitan trading port of Venice, the film has a Maori perspective, which makes it relevant today. It’s about religious discrimination, revenge for past wrongs, and business deals that go awry. It explores the nature of justice and mercy. It also involves a love story that crosses religious barriers, the effect of heritage on an individual’s life decisions and the strength, wit and wisdom of women.

Shylock’s determined quest for a pound of Antonio’s flesh arises out of a love story: Antonio’s best friend Bassanio wishes to travel to court the beautiful Portia, but he has no money. All of Antonio’s cash is tied up in his ships at sea, but he agrees to be guarantor for a loan Bassanio gets from the moneylender, Shylock.

Shylock, mindful of the racial slurs and business undercutting he has suffered from Antonio, makes a tough condition: if the loan is defaulted, Antonio must pay with a pound of his flesh. Antonio, confident that his ships will come in, agrees to the bizarre clause.

Meanwhile, Shylock’s daughter Jessica, falls in love with a handsome young Christian, Lorenzo. She elopes with him under cover of a masked festival, stealing from her father as she goes. Shylock is heartbroken.

Bassanio reaches Portia’s magical land of Belmonte, renamed Peremona, a beautiful place embellished by Maori art, culture and ritual. He must pass a test set by Portia’s deceased father: to choose the correct one of three caskets – gold, silver or lead. Many suitors from all over the world have tried and failed.

Bassanio wins Portia’s hand, but quickly hears news that Antonio’s ships have sunk and Shylock has had Antonio arrested, seeking his pound of flesh.

A trial, held before the Duke of Venice, ensues. Bassanio, desperate to rescue his friend, pleads to repay double the original loan with money given to him by the wealthy Portia. But Shylock, standing on principle, is not interested in the money. He wants utu (revenge).

Portia secretly travels to Venice and, disguised as a male lawyer, powerfully and convincingly argues the case for Antonio’s freedom.

Portia triumphs, Antonio lives, the lovers are happy, but does Shylock really accept his sentence?

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