The period thriller centres around young Māori woman Mary Stevens, played by Osborne, who is lured to North Yorkshire in England under the guise of learning about her family history.
When she arrives, she learns the man who invited her has been dead for months and a darker secret begins to unravel as she is forced to reckon with her horrific colonial heritage.
“It’s got lots of drama ... [and is] shocking,” she said.
Osborne was born in Aotearoa but spent much of her early years in France and Japan before returning to New Zealand at age 10 and attending school in Warkworth.
She comes from Whanganui iwi (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi) on her father’s side and Taranaki iwi (Ngāti Mutunga) on her mother’s side.
“I’m from here, by blood and by tribe.”
Mārama is deeply rooted in amplifying indigenous stories.
London-based director Taratoa Stappard is New Zealand-born and of Māori and English descent. He has spoken openly about the film’s foundation in the history of colonialism.
The film features English and te reo Māori.
“I think it really connects different indigenous communities and people who have been suppressed or colonised,” Osborne said.
She hoped, in the role of Mary, she could make people feel seen or recognised.
“It feels like a privilege and I feel really grateful to be a part of being able to bring stories like this to a global stage.
“It’s hard to describe the feeling inside because it does feel really special to be able to do that.”
The film made its international debut at the Toronto International Film Festival last September. Osborne attended the festival and subsequent premiere in Hawaii.
The New Zealand general release was on February 12, following limited advanced viewings over Waitangi weekend.
It will close the Māoriland Film Festival in Ōtaki next month.
“It is easier for me to comprehend people overseas seeing it because I’m so much further away from them,” Osborne said.
“It is more nerve-racking, for me anyway, for friends and family to see it because I just care more about their thoughts and opinions. It just means a lot more.”
As her profile had increased in recent years, she said it was a transition for her family to suddenly have another famous member.
Her father had been in the uncharted territory of helping her manage her newfound fame.
“It is definitely a funny moment for him,” Osborne said.
“We’ve never been in that situation before.”
Mārama is showing in cinemas across New Zealand.
“I hope people go to the movies and watch it,” Osborne said.
“It’s the kind of film that will be much more epic on the massive screen – worth going to the movie theatres for.”
Erin Smith is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.
