THE DEAD LANDS
by Toa Fraser
synopsis
Set in pre-colonial New Zealand — or, as it was known to its inhabitants, "Te Ao Maori" (the Maori World) — The Dead Lands is a dazzling action epic that has the distinction of being the first film ever to feature Mau rakau, the traditional (and terrifying) Maori martial art of armed combat. More than just an action film, it is also firmly grounded in the tribal culture of the time, particularly the concept of mana (meaning honour, respect, power, and prestige) and the intricate protocols associated with it.
international title: | The Dead Lands |
original title: | Hautoa |
country: | Netherlands, United Kingdom |
sales agent: | XYZ Films |
year: | 2014 |
genre: | fiction |
directed by: | Toa Fraser |
film run: | 108' |
screenplay: | Glenn Standring |
cast: | James Rolleston, Lawrence Makoare, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Xavier Horan, Raukura Turei, Rena Owen |
cinematography by: | Leon Narbey |
film editing: | Dan Kircher |
art director: | Grant Major |
music: | Don McGlashan |
producer: | Matthew Metcalfe, Glenn Standring, Norman Merry, Tainui Stephens |
production: | Lipsync Productions, General Film Corporation |