TIFF ’24: Māori History in “Ka Whawhai Tonu - Struggle Without End”

By Abe Friedtanzer 

Many modern countries are founded on colonization, and what’s taught in schools may not fully cover the true nature of what happened. In New Zealand, the relationship between the native Māori people and the English-speaking settlers who arrived there later is a complicated one, and the country’s cinema continues to pay homage to that history. After Muru in 2022 and The Convert in 2023, TIFF once again features an important film about the clash of cultures with Ka Whawhai Tonu - Struggle Without End… 

Michael Jonathan makes his feature directorial debut with this story set in 1864 centered on Haki (Paku Fernandez), who is caught between two worlds. The son of a high-ranking English soldier and a Māori mother, Haki is captured by the local Māori as the British troops close in on them. Kōpū (Hinerangi Harawira-Nichola) sees a kindred spirit in this prisoner since she is forced to act as a military medium, a burden she wishes not to have. As the battle nears, Haki and Kōpū challenge preconceived notions and their own histories as they do what they must to survive. 

This film portrays the real-life battle of Ōrākau, which was a critical moment in the union of Māori tribes against the invasion of the British forces. While the film does present scenes featuring Haki’s father and the British descending upon the population they believe won’t be able to face them, it spends much more time with Rewi Maniapoto (Temuera Morrison) and his tribe as they contemplate the best course of action and the importance of aligning with other tribes to ensure the survival of their tradition and way of life. Haki and Kōpū represent a future that hasn’t yet been written since they cannot possibly know their fates, even if one of them may be able to see at least some of what’s coming next.

Ka Whawhai Tonu is an immersive film that transports audiences back in time, conveying the stakes of this standoff and the way in which it mirrors so many other situations of colonialism where invading forces are so sure of their superiority. Featuring two young characters as its protagonists helps to underline the significance of its setting, and the presence of notable New Zealand actors like Morrison and Cliff Curtis adds to its prestige. Like those fighting for their survival, this film portrays a people trapped and unable to escape but unwilling to give up their way of life and their heritage, and it serves as a fitting tribute to those tragically decimated communities. B 

Ka Whawhai Tonu - Struggle Without End makes its North American premiere in the Centrepiece section at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.