April 02, 2024
Land Wars film for Matariki release
On the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Ō-Rākau , Transmission Films has released a trailer for a new film about the pivotal battle that marked the end of the fighting in the Waikato War.
The trailer for Ka Whahai Tonu – Struggle Without End was shown this morning during a down commemoration at the site south of Kihikihi.
The film was directed by Michael Jonathan from Tainui, Mātaatua, and Te Arawa, and features Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, Miriama Smith, British actor Jason Flemyng and newcomers Paku Fernandez and Hinerangi Harawira-Nicholas.
It’s funded through the Film Commission Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga’s He Pounamu Te Reo Māori Feature Film Fund and will be released on June 27, Matariki Weekend.
Jonathan says he was partnered with multiple Iwi, hapū, and whānau to produce a film that carries an authentic narrative based on real accounts of the survivors of the siege at O-Rākau.
“I am incredibly proud of my cast and crew, many of whom are descendants of the heroes of this battle. To fight on forever for their land, culture and language. This is a significant story for us as Māori, Pākehā, Pasifika and others to acknowledge, learn and unite,” he says.
Set in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1864, Ka Whawhai Tonu tells the story of a battle fought with impossible odds between Māori and the Colonial forces through the eyes of two young teenagers forced to take control of their own destiny amidst the chaos of the battle.
Morrison says he is thrilled the story can be told in a Maori way.
“My first day on set I asked Haturini to bless me and a white butterfly danced around me, I heard Carey Carter call ‘karawhiua’ instead of action! E patuki tahi te manawa… a deep voice rose from within ‘E hoa… ka whawhai tonu mātou mō ake ake ake,’ he says.