There's a strong Rotorua connection for the first movie to be shot entirely in te reo Maori.
A special screening of The Dead Lands was held at Rotorua's Reading Cinema last night before its national release tomorrow. The film is set in pre-colonial New Zealand and follows a Maori chieftain's teenage son, Hongi (James Rolleston), as he avenges his father's murder.
Local producer, performer and kapa haka tutor Jamus Webster was the film's Maori martial arts expert. Early reviews have praised the movie for its furious fight scenes involving ancient Maori weapons. Mr Webster also had an acting role as Tahi, a member of the warring tribe.
"The reason why I jumped on board was because I knew it was an awesome way to expose our language and form of martial arts to the world, but it's a first of its kind, total immersion."
The lead actor, Rolleston (Boy, The Dark Horse) spent a week in Rotorua with Mr Webster before filming began, working on his Maori pronunciation and martial arts.