Rain of the Children

Tuhoe Country Docu-drama

Kiwi director Vincent Ward (Map of the Human Heart, What Dreams May Come) revisits his 1978 documentary, about a Maori kuia, in his latest feature.

In Spring One Plants Alone was Ward’s second film – a verite portrait of Te Puhi, an 80 year-old woman caring for her schizophrenic adult son in rural Urewera.

30 years later Ward returns to the scene to re-envision her story as a cursed Tuhoe princess.

The 2008 version is a personal docu-drama, narrated by Ward, melding dramatic re-enactments with original footage.

The cast includes Once Were Warriors alumnae Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison and Taungaroa Emile.

Rain of the Children premiered at Sydney Film Festival.

Rain of the Children trailer

A Tale of the Tuhoe
TVNZ

could give Maori on both sides of the Tasman a new insight in to their past

Vincent Ward unveils latest long-term labour of love
New Zealand Herald

Australian-based Maori performed a passionate powhiri on the red carpet

Vincent Ward’s ghost story
Sunday Star Times

epic act of “director’s cut” reworking