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Hero image for Uenuku

Uenuku

Television (Full Length) – 1974

Geoff Murphy (Utu) directed this freewheeling adaptation of the Māori legend of Uenuku and his affair with mist maiden Hinepūkohurangi. The story of love, betrayal, and redemption was the first Māori myth adapted for television — and the first TV drama performed entirely in te reo. The Listener softened viewers by printing a translation before it aired. Filmed at the Waimarama base of Murphy and cinematographer Alun Bollinger, Uenuku was produced by company Peach Wemyss Astor for the NZ Broadcasting Corporation — a rare independently produced TV drama in the 1970s. 

A Maori language film ahead of its time.
– Roger Horrocks in book New Zealand Film - An Illustrated History

Key Cast & Crew

Profile image for Alun Bollinger

Alun Bollinger

Cinematographer

Generic Profile image for Bill Kerekere

Bill Kerekere

Narrator

Profile image for Bob Lapresle

Bob Lapresle

Writer

Generic Profile image for Faenza Reuben

Faenza Reuben

As: Uenuku

Generic Profile image for Aroha Gallo

Aroha Gallo

As: Hinepūkohurangi

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Geoff Murphy

Director

See all 21 credits

Produced by

  • Acme Sausage Company

  • Peach Wemyss Astor

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