Miriama McDowell, Ngāti Hine, has worked in the theatre and screen industry for over twenty years. Last year she was made an Arts Laureate for theatre. She is an award winning actor, director, writer, and dramaturg. Miriama is a graduate of Toi Whakaari, NZ Drama School. She is a founding member of Intimacy Coordinators Aotearoa and a board member of Equity NZ. Her film credits include Coming Home In The Dark, No.2, Waru, and The Great Maiden’s Blush, for which she won a Best Actress Award at the NZ Film Awards in 2017. Her most recent role was playing younger Whina Cooper in Whina. She has worked in countless shows on the small screen, and in 2020 she won the NZ TV Awards Best Actress Award for her role in Head High. Miriama is a regular director for Ahikaaroa, Kura Production’s bilingual drama television series. Miriama’s happy place is being in a room with actors and she loves mentoring emerging artists. Miriama is currently writing a solo theatre show in Te Reo Māori which explores the world of twins in Te Ao Māori.