The Convert

Aotearoa
|
2023
|
120 mins
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New Zealand in the 1830s is a Māori world, dominated by tribal wars. Seeking redemption from a dark past, lay preacher Thomas Munro (GUY PEARCE) is on board a trading vessel heading to the newly established town of Epworth, a British settlement in that far corner of the world. When the ship anchors for repairs, Munro finds himself caught up in a battle between Māori tribes and witnesses the slaughter of innocents at the hands of chief Akatārewa (LAWRENCE MAKOARE). Munro manages to save the life of Rangimai (TIOREORE NGATAI-MELBOURNE), the daughter of Maianui (ANTONIO TE MAIOHA), a rival chief whose land Epworth leases in a delicate arrangement. As Munro begins to experience the white townsfolk’s entrenched racism and paranoia towards the Māori, he finds himself increasingly ostracised within the community he is meant to serve and realises he has been brought to this isolated British outpost merely to add the veneer of civilisation.

Director
Lee Tamahori (Māori)
Writers
Shane DanielsenLee Tamahori (Māori)
Producers
Robin ScholesTe Kohe Tuhaka (Māori)Andrew MasonTroy Lum
Languages
EnglishMāori
Classification
Unclassified - Restricted to persons 15 and over unless accompanied by an adult.

Preview short film

istén:'a

Canada
|
2023
|
5 mins

A poetic retelling of a visit from the artist’s mother, istén:’a explores dreamspace as a meeting place for us and our late loved ones, who we always remain tethered to.

Director
KJ Edwards (Kanien’kehá:ka | mixed-settler)