The Dark Horse and The Dead Lands at HIFF Spring Showcase
PIC is proud to sponsor the screenings of two award-winning Māori films from New Zealand at the 2015 Hawaii International Film Festival Spring Showcase. From HIFF's program guide:
The Dark Horse
program.hiff.org/films/detail/dark_horse_the_2015
The Dark Horse is an emotionally-charged and inspiring drama about a man who searches for the courage to lead, despite his own adversities - finding purpose and hope in passing on his gift to the children in his community through the game of chess. Based on a true story, the film stars the versatile Cliff Curtis in yet another career defining role.
The Dead Lands
program.hiff.org/films/detail/dead_lands_the_2015
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 honor, respect, power, and prestige) and the intricate protocols associated with it.
Just added (3/31/2015):
Slow West
program.hiff.org/films/detail/slow_west_2015
Colorado’s dramatic landscape provides the setting for the unlikely crossing of Silas Selleck (Michael Fassbender), a wild and dangerous drifter, with guileless adolescent, Jay (Kodi Smit-McPhee). Here, in the dense and feral forests of the American West, where confrontation with a stranger would normally mean a duel to the death, Silas, instead of killing Jay, offers to protect him in exchange for cash. A US-set western shot in New Zealand, winner of the Grand Jury World Cinema prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
For the full listing of New Zealand films, visit here: program.hiff.org/films/country/new_zealand
Filled with insight and discovery, HIFF is dedicated to advancing understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America by presenting films from around the world. Each year, more than 60,000 attendees the cultural exchange of ideas, presented through the powerful medium of film, raises the awareness of our similarities and differences alike.
Categories: Film Festival, PIC Pacific Showcase, Screening