Utu Redux Film Screening (New Zealand)

Geoff Murphy’s Utu (1983), recently remastered and re-released as Utu Redux (2013), has often been described as a "Māori Western." The film tells the story of Te Wheke, who leads a band of guerilla fighters against colonial authorities as he seeks retribution, or utu, for a British attack on his family. Though fictional, the events and characters are inspired by the New Zealand Wars of 1845-1872, particularly the final uprising and its leader, Te Kooti. At times playful or even campy, the film nevertheless delves deeply into the issues of race, identity and colonialism that shaped these 19th century conflicts.

Regarded as a high point of Aotearoa/New Zealand’s “film renaissance” of the late 20th century, Utu also came at moment of revitalization for Māori language and political sovereignty, in many ways the peaceful continuation of the struggles that the film portrays.

The release of a new edition thirty years on reveals both an enduring artistic legacy as well as the contemporary relevance of the history that Utu unflinchingly portrays.

Due to excessive violence, not recommended for audiences under 16.

Please join us for the introduction, screening, and post-film discussion. See all events for MÄ€NOA International Education Week at http://www.manoa.hawaii.edu/international/international_education_week

Ticket Information
Free Admission

Event Sponsor
History - Phi Alpha Theta, Mānoa Campus

More Information
(415) 867-7379, kyeann@hawaii.edu, Utu Poster (PDF)

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