ONCE WERE WARRIORS

Drama / Crime
New Zealand, 1994, 102 min.

Directed by: Lee Tamahori
Screenplay: Riwia Brown
Cast: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, Anita Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga, Taungaroa Emile

This 1994 feature film debut from New Zealand director Lee Tamahori heartbreakingly captures the hopeless circumstances of a Maori family which has been ripped from its cultural roots and now lives on the outskirts of Auckland.
The film is a raw portrayal of poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, which Beth, a mother of five children, is unsuccessfully trying to escape.It is only once tragedy strikes that she gains the power to break away from the man she once loved, a man who is destroying his family with his irresponsible behaviour and explosive rage.

Festivals and Awards:
International Film Festival in Venice 1994 – Debut
Montreal International Film Festival 1994 –  Main Prize
Grandx Prix des Amériques, Best Actress
Ecumenical Jury Prize, Audience Award
New Zealand Film and Television Annual Awards 1994 – Best Film, Director, Actor and Actress in Supporting role
International Film Festival Rotterdam 1995 – Audience Award