Mahana
“From the author of Whale Rider, the screenwriter of Master and Commander and the producer and director of Once Were Warriors comes a profound and enduring tale of rural family life.”
Synopsis
1960s, East Coast of New Zealand. Two Māori sheep-shearing families, the Mahanas and the Poatas, are longstanding enemies and commercial rivals. 14-year-old Simeon Mahana, the youngest son of the youngest son is in conflict with his traditionalist grandfather, Tamihana. As Simeon unravels the truth behind the longstanding family vendetta he risks not just his own future prospects but the cohesion of the entire tight-knit society.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
MAHANA - Featurette - "Women of the Era"Official
Type: Trailer • Published 2016-03-03
Top Cast
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Temuera Morrison
Grandfather Tamihana Mahana
Akuhata Keefe
Simeon Mahana
Nancy Brunning
Ramona Mahana
Jim Moriarty
Rupeni Poata
Regan Taylor
Joshua Mahana
Maria Walker
Huria Mahana
Sienna MacKinlay
Gloria Mahana
Tuhiwhakauraoterangi Wallace-Ihakara
Hope Mahana
Kyra McRae
Faith Mahana
Eds Eramiha
Pani
Ngahuia Piripi
Miriam Mahana
Matariki Whatarau
Mohi
Miriama McDowell
Aunt Saphora
Aroha Rawson
Aunt Ruth
Yvonne Porter
Poppy Poata
Te Kohe Tuhaka
Caesar Poata
James Tito
Hone
Mark Ruka
Maatiu
Release History & Theatrical Window
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Lee Tamahori
- Screenplay & Story
- John Collee
- Original Score
- Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper, Tama Waipara
- Original Title
- Mahana
- Country of Origin
- New Zealand
- Spoken Languages
- English, Maori
- Runtime
- 1h 43m
- Production Studios
- New Zealand Film Commission, Jump Film and Television, Hopscotch Entertainment One, Wild Bunch Distribution
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Lee Tamahori
John Collee, Witi Ihimaera
Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper, Tama Waipara
Ginny Loane
Michael Horton, Jonathan Woodford-Robinson
Timothy White, Janine Dickins, Robin Scholes
Department Leadership Roster
Lee Tamahori
Director
John Collee
Screenplay
Janine Dickins
Producer
Robin Scholes
Producer
Ginny Loane
Director of Photography
Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper
Original Music Composer
Tama Waipara
Original Music Composer
Michael Horton
Editor
Jonathan Woodford-Robinson
Editor
Mark Robins
Production Design
Liz McGregor
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Mahana.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Mahana.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mahana
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Mahana about?
1960s, East Coast of New Zealand. Two Māori sheep-shearing families, the Mahanas and the Poatas, are longstanding enemies and commercial rivals. 14-year-old Simeon Mahana, the youngest son of the youngest son is in conflict with his traditionalist grandfather, Tamihana. As Simeon unravels the truth behind the longstanding family vendetta he risks not just his own future prospects but the cohesion of the entire tight-knit society.
Who directed Mahana?
Mahana was directed by Lee Tamahori.
Who stars in Mahana?
The principal cast of Mahana includes Temuera Morrison, Akuhata Keefe, Nancy Brunning, Jim Moriarty, Regan Taylor.
When was Mahana released and how long is it?
Mahana was released in 2016 with a total runtime of 1h 43m.
Who composed the musical score for Mahana?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Mahana was composed by Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper, Tama Waipara.
Is Mahana based on a book or true story?
Mahana is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Witi Ihimaera".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Mahana?
Mahana holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.).