The Convert

Directed by Lee Tamahori
New Zealand
2023
119 mins

Synopsis

Guy Pearce stars as a British preacher caught up in 1830s Māori wars in Lee Tamahori’s (Once Were Warriors, 1993; Mahana, SFF 2016) sweeping historical drama. Toronto 2023.

When Thomas Munro (Pearce, excellent) arrives in the tiny coastal settlement of Epworth in 1830, he finds discontent, suspicion and friction. After saving the life of a chief’s daughter, Rangimai (Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Hunt for the Wilderpeople), Munro is thrust into political intrigue during the devastating Musket Wars between Māori tribes. Tamahori paints a meticulously detailed portrait of Māori communities and culture in the early days of colonialism, whilst expertly weaving in Munro’s troubled past which intrudes on the increasingly bloody conflict surrounding him. Stunningly filmed in widescreen on location, including Whatipū beach, The Convert delivers gripping drama and extraordinary action.

Limited seats are available for patrons requiring access for wheelchairs, low vision and hearing loop. Please contact our ticketing team directly on 1300 733 733 or tickets@sff.org.au to complete your booking.

A tremendous feat of reclamation, a Mu0101ori story told by a Mu0101ori director in the Mu0101ori language with a large Mu0101ori cast
Ankit Jhunjhunwala, The Playlist

Tickets

Fri 7 June 2024, 8am
State Theatre
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
Sun 9 June 2024, 10am
Hayden Orpheum Cremorne - Cinema 5
Assisted ListeningAudio DescriptionWheelchairClose Captioned
Wed 12 June 2024, 8:15am
Ritz Cinemas Randwick - Cinema 5
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
  • Year
    2023
  • Country
    New Zealand, Australia
  • Language
    In English and Māori with English subtitles
  • Director
    Lee Tamahori
  • Producer
    Robin Scholes, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Andrew Mason, Troy Lum
  • Cast
    Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Guy Pearce, Antonio Te Maioha
  • Screenwriter
    Lee Tamahori, Shane Danielsen
  • Cinematographer
    Gin Loane
  • Editor
    Luke Haigh
  • Genre
    Australian Films, First Nations, Religion & Belief
  • Premiere
    Australian Premiere
  • Company Credits
    Australian Distributor: Kismet Movies
  • Official Website
Aboriginal FlagTorres Strait Flag

Sydney Film festival acknowledges Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF is based.

We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

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