New Zealand film director Lee Tamahori has died aged 75.
New Zealand film director Lee Tamahori has died aged 75.
New Zealand director Lee Tamahori has died aged 75.
The Once Were Warriors director died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Born in Tawa, Wellington, Tamahori started his journey in film as a boom operator and first assistant director before going on to start Flying Fish, one ofNew Zealand’s most successful advertising production companies
His debut feature film Once Were Warriors became a major success and led him to making Hollywood films such as xXx: State of the Union and James Bond film Die Another Day.
His next film Emperor, described as a 16th century epic starring Adrien Brody and Bill Skarsgård, will be released next year.
The NZ Film Commission posted a tribute to Tamahori on Facebook and said it was “deeply saddened” by his passing.
New Zealand film director Lee Tamahori started in the industry as a boom operator. Photo / Kirsty Griffin
“From his groundbreaking debut Once Were Warriors to his recent epic The Convert, Lee’s storytelling brought Māori culture and New Zealand voices to global audiences with power and authenticity,” the commission said.
“His international career cemented his place as a film-maker of extraordinary range and impact.
