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Utu (1983)
Director: Geoff Murphy; Utu Productions
New Zealand Film Commission
NZFA Stills Collection

Te Wheke (Anzac Wallace, shown) is a scout for the colonial army. He discovers a burning village whose inhabitants have been massacred by the military. It is a military blunder—the village was 'friendly' and the dead are Te Wheke's own people. Utu follows Te Wheke in his bloody quest to avenge the deaths.

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? (1999)
Director: Ian Mune; South Pacific Pictures
Image courtesy of the New Zealand Film Commission

Image shows Sonny (Clint Eruera) Tania (Nancy Brunning) and Mookie (Tammy Davis) in What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?. This film, the sequel to Once Were Warriors, was adapted for the screen by author Allan Duff from his book of the same name. It follows Sonny’s relationship with his father Jake and girlfriend Tania, and their search for redemption from a life of violence, crime and gangs

Māori Hui at Tikitiki (1926)
Cameraman unknown
New Zealand Government Publicity
NZFA Stills Collection
He mihi tino nui ki ngā hapū, ngā iwi ā Ngāti Porou

This image shows women during haka pōwhiri at Saint Mary’s Church in Tikitiki. The film captures events at the opening ceremony of the church on 19 February, 1926. Gathered in front of the wharenui Rongomai Aniwaniwa and accompanied by the music of the Tahiwi whanau, Sir Apirana Ngata and many elders, women and children perform haka, waiata and poi for distinguished guests which include the Governor General, Sir Charles Fergusson. Silent.

Bastion Point Day 507 (1980)
Directors: Merata Mita, Leon Narbey, Gerd Pohlmann; Awatea Films
Image with permission from the Hawke whanau

The Flagstaff, shown in this image, represents the occupation of Orakei. (Bastion Point) in the struggle for Maori land rights. Filmed by the only crew permitted in the occupied area, Bastion Point – Day 507 concentrates on the 507th day of the occupation, when protesters were forcibly removed by the police and military forces. Merata Mita writes “This film is the total opposite of how a television documentary is made. It has a partisan viewpoint, is short on commentary, and emphasises the overkill aspect of the combined police/military operation. It is a style of documentary that I have never deviated from because it best expresses a Maori approach to film making.”

Once Were Warriors (1994)
Director: Lee Tamahori; Communicado
New Zealand Film Commission
NZFA Stills Collection

This critically acclaimed film follows Beth (Rena Owen, shown) and her family’s struggle with domestic violence, alcoholism and poverty. “It could be argued that Tamahori overdoes the level of violence, over-stating his point and risking the alienation of his target audience. But this is an in- your- face slice of realism, and the violence is certainly not exaggerated. Rena Owen plays Beth with distinction, creating a believably passionate woman whose life hasn’t turned out the way she planned.” – Variety magazine. Once Were Warriors is the highest grossing New Zealand film to date and has won 15 international awards.

Don’t Let It Get You (1966)
Director: John O’Shea; Pacific Films
Pacific Films Collection, NZFA

Image shows Howard Morrison and Garry Wallace in “a light-hearted comedy with music. Set in Sydney and Rotorua, the story centres around ‘The Rotorua Festival’, a young drummer (Gary Wallace) and his girl Judy Beech (Carmen Duncan). Howard Morrison plays himself and as such comes across on screen as naturally as if he were sitting right opposite you.” The film also features: Kiri Te Kanawa, Normie Rowe, Rim D Paul, Eddie Lowe, the Quin Tikis, Kerri Summers and Ernie Leonard.

Moko Toa (1999)
Te Haeata Productions
Image courtesy of Te Haeata Productions Ltd

Image shows Tohunga (Jim Perry) in Moko Toa, New Zealand's first Māori language special effects and animation drama series. Dynamic characters, wondrous creatures and talking carvings abound in this series about sixteen year old Hori (Rawiri Tai Tin) and his journey to the mystical homeland of Hawaiki. Here he is caught up in the constant battle between the forces of light and darkness, a battle that could end in the destruction of the world.