James Ingram McDonald: A Pioneer of Māori Culture in Film and Art James Ingram McDonald (1865-1935) stands as a remarkably multifaceted figure in New Zealand’s artistic and cultural landscape – a painter, photographer, filmmaker, museum director, and, crucially, a passionate advocate for the preservation and promotion of Māori arts and crafts. Born in Christchurch in 1865, McDonald's life was defined by a deep respect for both European artistic traditions and the rich heritage of Aotearoa’s indigenous people. His career spanned decades, encompassing diverse roles that cemented his legacy as…