How do we create essence in film? Where does it come from? How can it be achieved? This research investigates how the exterior filming process can affect the inner essence or interiority of a Māori film. The aim is to link Māori philosophies such as whakapapa (genealogy) to the outer processes of creating a film and the inner essence (wairua) that results from these surface processes. The application of kaupapa Māori philosophies to a documentary filming process will also be discussed in relation to personal experiences of filming within Māori communities and with Māori people. This paper argues that by following tīkanga processes when filming kaumātua and whānau, it creates a space that allows the essence of a film to be developed.