Principal photography is underway on the new feature film ‘One Winter’ starring Julian Dennison of Ngāi Takoto (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Godzilla v Kong), Minnie Driver (Circle of Friends, Good Will Hunting), Rhys Darby (Yes Man, Flight of the Conchords), James Rolleston of Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Arawa, Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea (Boy, Pork Pie) and Erana James of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Waikato Tainui (The Changeover, The Wilds).

Written by Hamish Bennett (Te Arawa, Patuharakeke, Ngāi Tahu) and Sonia Whiteman, and directed by Paul Middleditch and Hamish Bennett, this coming of age story is set in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1981 when the arrival of the South African rugby team sets off nationwide protests against apartheid and racism. Dennison plays Josh Waaka, a 17-year-old who after being a passive bystander all of his life, is suddenly forced to stand up for himself, his family and his future.

“One Winter is a story of hope, courage and standing up for what one believes is right,” says directors Middleditch and Bennett. “It has been incredible to have such a stellar cast join us for this project and we have been blown away with what they have brought to the story.”

One Winter is currently shooting across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtepoti Dunedin by a wealth of incredible local creatives and crew. Ensuring production takes place in the stories home of Ōtepoti Dunedin is integral to the project with consultation with mana whenua from the runaka / tribal councils of Puketeraki and Ōtākou continuing to be a key part of the filmmaking process for Producers and Directors.

The film is produced by Emma Slade, Sandra Kailahi and Angela Cudd (Ngāti Porou, Te-Whānau-Ā-Apanui, Ngāti Wai). Troy Lum is executive producer. Stacey Morrison (Ngāi Tahu, Te Arawa) has supported the film with iwi engagement as well as offering cultural guidance, however the key creative content that emerges from the partnership with the runaka of Ōtepoti is very much from those on the ground in that takiwā / district.

One Winter was made with investment from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Government’s Screen Production Grant, with financing from Kiwibank. Blue Fox Entertainment are the international sales agents with Kismet distributing the film across Australia and New Zealand.