Utu Redux - A Catalyst Film in Aotearoa

Māori storytelling on film has continued to grow in Aotearoa. Utu was a catalyst film that built a global audience and received critical acclaim. At 2.00pm join Gaylene Preston (producer of the making of Utu) and Paula Whetu-Jones (Director of Whina) as they discuss the production, what it meant for Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand film and how we have progressed in our storytelling narratives. The conversation will be facilitated by Daniel Betty (Chair of Eastern Screen Alliance) as he weaves together the threads and captures the audience's imagination. The audience is then invited to join us for afternoon tea in the MTG Foyer before heading back into the theatre at 4.00pm for special screening of the movie Utu Redux.

Utu has just celebrated its 40th birthday and parts were shot in Hawke’s Bay. It features local actor Bruno Lawrence and catapulted writer/director Geoff Murphy on to the global stage. It is described as a ‘puha western’ and was set during the New Zealand land wars of the 1860’s. It follows a Maori Warrior (Anzac Wallace) who sets out on a quest for Utu (revenge). It was inspired by events of Te Kooti’s war and is described as a New Zealand western.

Eastern Screen Alliance, the regional film office for Hawke's Bay is leading the ‘Focus on Film Series’ to build awareness of the screen industry across our region. It is a chance to celebrate the screen industry and encourage National and International makers, organisations and creatives to showcase their work for the benefit of our community.

This film is hosted by Eastern Screen Alliance as part of the Focus on Film Series and is proudly supported by Napier City Council and MTG Century Theatre.