Ka Whawhai Tonu (Struggle Without End)

Ka Whawhai Tonu tells the story of the last battle in the New Zealand land wars set in 1864. A battle fought between Māori and the Colonial forces, it was a battle against all odds.
This heroic conflict is told through the eyes of two young teenagers forced to take control of their own destiny amidst the chaos of the battle and their escape.

“This is one of the most important events in Aotearoa - New Zealand History and I am so proud
of our team and excited to bring this story to the big screen. This is a story told for the first time
from an indigenous point of view and will change the way we view history.”
Producer Toby Parkinson

  • Mike Jonathan
    Director
  • Tim Worrall
    Writer
  • Piripi Curtis
    Producer
  • Toby Parkinson
    Producer
  • Temuera Morrison
    Key Cast
    "Rewi Maniapoto"
    Once We Were Warriors, Book Of Boba Fett
  • Jason Flemyng
    Key Cast
    "Daniel Morgan"
    Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
  • Miriama Smith
    Key Cast
    "Turama"
  • Cliff Curtis
    Key Cast
    "Wi Toka"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Ka Whawhai Tonu
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 55 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    6,000,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    New Zealand
  • Country of Filming:
    New Zealand
  • Language:
    English, Maori
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Sydney Film Festival
    Sydney
    Australia
    June 14, 2024
    Festival Premiere
Distribution Information
  • Locomotive Entertainment
    Sales Agent
    Country: United Kingdom
    Rights: All Rights
  • Transmission Films
    Distributor
    Country: Australia
    Rights: All Rights
    Country: New Zealand
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Mike Jonathan

Mike has built a remarkable career spanning nearly 30 years as a cameraman, director of photography, and director, contributing to television and film. Throughout his journey, he has garnered recognition for his outstanding documentaries and short films.

One notable aspect of Mike's expertise is his ability to serve as a one-man team, proficient in both shooting and directing. While he values collaboration and teamwork, certain projects necessitate a single-person operator.

At Haka Boy Films, Mike and his team are equipped to handle projects of any scale, accommodating various budgets. While budget considerations are important, Mike believes that sometimes the power of a story surpasses financial constraints. He is deeply passionate about Māori storytelling and how each kaupapa (topic/theme) impacts his people. This passion drives him and his team to bring a unique perspective to every project they undertake.

Whether working with a team or operating solo, Mike's dedication to Māori storytelling and his ability to adapt to different project requirements make him a versatile and talented filmmaker

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