Born in Rotorua, New Zealand, he is of Māori descent and has portrayed a wide range of ethnicities in his film career. He studied at the New Zealand Drama School and the Teatro Dimitri Scuola in Switzerland. His early work includes roles in "Once Were Warriors" and "The Piano." He gained international recognition for performances in "Training Day," "Whale Rider," and "Sunshine." Beyond acting, he co-founded the production company Whenua Films, supporting indigenous storytelling.
REMINISCENCE
Set in a sun-scorched, rain-soaked coastal city where memory can be bought and sold, Nick Bannister runs a service that lets clients relive moments...
THE DARK HORSE
The Dark Horse is a powerful and inspiring drama that tells the true story of Genesis Potini, a brilliant but troubled chess player struggling with...
10,000 BC
In 10,000 BC, a young mammoth hunter embarks on a perilous journey to save his tribe from a powerful enemy. Along the way, he encounters prehistoric...
WHALE RIDER
Whale Rider is a compelling drama that follows the story of a young Maori girl named Pai, who dreams of becoming the chief of her tribe, despite the...