FILM: SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL @ CASULA POWERHOUSE: MAHANA (M)
12 Jun 2016 | 7:30pm Film screening
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From the director of Once Were Warriors, this is a stirring drama about the enduring rivalry between two Maori sheep-shearing families and the brave young man who finds a way forward.
It’s the ’60s and two sheep-shearing families – the Mahanas and the Poatas – harbour decades-old resentments. The Mahana clan is ruled with an iron fist by Tamihana (Temuera Morrison). When his grandson Simeon (Akuhata Keefe) starts to rebel against the patriarch, the secret at the root of the vendetta is unearthed. Taking full advantage of the beautiful rural landscapes and the committed performances by Morrison and Keefe, Lee Tamahori has directed a rousing tribute to youthful determination and pride. With a fine screenplay adapted by John Collee (Master and Commander), from the novel by ‘The Whale Rider’ author Witi Ihimaera, Mahana marks Tamahori’s welcome return to New Zealand cinema.
Seen through the eyes of a Maori teen on the brink of manhood, [Mahana] plays like a classic Western as it proudly expands the still-limited canon of essential films about New Zealand’s tribal people, telling of a young man who dares to stand up to both his domineering grandfather and The Man at a time when equality and respect were in short supply for natives.’ – Peter Debruge, Variety
Director Lee Tamahori
Screenwriter John Collee
Producer Robin Scholes, Janine Dickins
Cinematographer Ginny Loane
Editor Michael Horton, Jonathan Woodford- Robinson
Cast Temuera Morrison, Akuhata Keefe, Nancy Brunning
Country New Zealand | Language English and Maori
Mahana Pre-Show Dinner : Served from 6:15pm - 6:45pm |
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Pulled Pork with coleslaw and roast vegetables OR Vegetarian Frittata with roast vegetables |
Event Information
LocationTheatre
Duration102 minutes
AgesM
Cost$15 Adult
$13 Conc
$10 Child
Phone02 8711 7123