The Mãori Struggle: Once Were Warriors

Critically acclaimed Once Were Warriors won best film at the New Zealand Film & Television Awards, Durban International Film Festival, Montreal Film Festival and Rotterdam Film Festival. Its biting interpretation of modern day Mãori struggle impacts audiences with reflections on New Zealand's dark secrets.

Set in the backdrop of Auckland, New Zealand, Once Were Warriors follows the life of the Hekes, a contemporary Mãori family, as they struggle with cultural degradation that manifests in domestic violence.

Beth Heke, played by Rena Owen, is the mother of three children and wife of Jake "the Muss" Heke. Played by Temuera Morrison, Jake is nicknamed for his physical presence, "the Muss" being short for "Muscles."

The couple's life started under the disapproving eye of Beth Heke's traditional family who are steeped in the old ways of the Mãori culture. Her husband is an example of how those traditions are jeopardized in a sub-culture of gangs and lost directives.

Married for eighteen years, Jake and Beth live in a slum with their five children. Jake is perpetually out of work and what little money that comes into their life is spent on alcohol and entertaining Jake's questionable acquaintances.

Beth struggles to balance between appeasing her husband's insatiable partying and leading her children along the path of life with traditional Mãori values. Jake's violent temper continually disrupts her efforts and squelches her will.

The Heke's five children find home life a frightening and unstable experience. It is often Grace, the eldest daughter, who manages cleaning, feeding and attending to her younger siblings. Her efforts are often futile as the large crowds of partiers that are welcomed by her father drain the family's cash and food and leave their home in tatters.