Episode 09 Director Mike Jonathan, talking about his feature film Ka Whawhai Tonu.
Welcome to this exciting episode, I am privileged to talk with Mike Jonathan, a seasoned professional with an incredible career spanning nearly three decades as a cameraman, director of photography, and director in both television and film. Known for his outstanding work on documentaries and short films, Mike has released his debut feature film, Ka Whawhai Tonu - Struggle without End.
Ka Whawhai Tonu is set in 1864 during the New Zealand land wars in Waikato. It follows two teenagers who must take control of their destiny as they face the chaos of battle between Māori and Colonial forces against impossible odds. The main roles are played by Paku Fernandez as Haki and Hinerangi Harawira-Nicholas as Kōpu. The movie also stars Cliff Curtis as Wi Toka, Temuera Morrison as Rewi Maniapoto, and Jason Flemyng as Daniel Morgan. Mike talks through his process of bringing this story to live, working with Temuera Morrison, his career and his goals for the future.
Find out more about Mike here