Saebyul Koata

Biography

Saebyul F. T. Koata is a Māori director, writer, actor, and producer whose work spans many genres but most notably horror and science fiction. Known most notably for the 2023 film The Wētā, created in collaboration with Hayden Smithie, they have a reputation for blending genre filmmaking with social consciousness and fun. Beyond cinema, Saebyul is recognised for their activism in support of Palestine, Māori rights, animal protection, and climate justice. With a background in criminology and active involvement in environmentalism since childhood, as well as politics, Saebyul blends a unique perspective to authentic storytelling, often weaving themes of justice, identity, and resistance into...