'A film New Zealander's will be proud of': Stars of new Kiwi film Sgt, Haane

New film Sgt. Haane starring Alex Tarrant and Niwa Whatuira opens nationwide next week to commemorate Anzac Day.    

The film tells the story of Haane Manahi of the 28th Māori Battalion and his small band of B Company soldiers who are all cousins, as they take the formidable ancient rock fortress of Takrouna. 

Lead actors Alex and Niwa sat down with Tīpare Ngā for a special Anzac Day edition of our George FM te ao Māori podcast Kōrerorero. 

The duo spoke about their enduring friendship, career trajectories, and the pride they feel in being a part of this incredibly important legacy film, written and directed by Tearepa Kahi. 

Having worked together at the start of their careers, reuniting on Sgt. Haane has been a full circle moment for the pair, and one that mimics the enduring friendship they share off screen. 

Niwa says “with our characters in this film it was the same dynamic we had on Totes Māori. Johnny Rogers is this big boisterous one and then Sgt Haane is the more cool, calm, collected, serious, introverted..focused one. That's our dynamic as people, that’s our dynamic as friends.”

Alex agrees “Even when I think about, I guess personality compatibility, we’re kind of on opposite sides of the spectrum in some senses. Niwa interjects as great friends do, “two sides of the same coin I would say”. Alex backs this up “two sides of the same coin. That’s a really good way to put it.”

Listen in to this lively, nostalgic, and forward-looking podcast on the link below.