Uproar

It's 1981. At a rugby-obsessed Dunedin Catholic school, sole Māori teenager Josh Waaka (Julian Dennison from Hunt for the Wilderpeople) is a frequent target for abuse. His daily drudge changes after joining a drama club run by a chipper arts teacher (Rhys Darby) and becoming active in a group of anti-Springbok Tour protestors. In this trailer, Josh's sense of self and whakapapa is awakened by Samantha (Erana James) and other protestors. Uproar's stellar cast draws on Kiwi talent like James Rolleston (Boy) as Josh's older brother Jamie — plus Oscar nominee Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting) as their mother.

This character Madigan resonates for me because I had a drama teacher that did the same thing for me. That was one of the reasons I took this part on because it felt special to me.

– Rhys Darby on playing drama teacher Brother Madigan, Uproar press release, 15 August 2023

Key Cast & Crew

Paul Middleditch

Co-Director, Original Concept, Story, Executive Producer

Julian Dennison

As: Josh Waaka

Rhys Darby

As: Brother Madigan

Hamish Bennett

Co-Director, Writer, Story

Minnie Driver

As: Shirley Waaka

James Rolleston

As: Jamie Waaka