If you’re unfamiliar with the history of Tūhoe, I’d highly recommend carving out a significant amount of time after seeing Muru. The film does manage to accomplish quite a bit in its 104-minute running time, but as a profound action film addressing 100 years worth of history, it’s bound to spark a need to learn and explore more.
Inspired by true events, Muru addresses the conflict between Indigenous communities and colonial police forces. Cliff Curtis leads as Taffy, a Māori police officer who’s forced to choose between his people and his badge when he becomes aware of an impending raid led by Jay Ryan’s Captain Gallagher. Tāme Iti, played by the real Tāme Iti, runs a series of boot camps in the region aimed at teaching survival skills and keeping the Tūhoe identity alive. Little do they know, these boot camps have been under surveillance for months so when a young resident fires a loaded rifle, Gallagher’s Special Tactics Group is brought in.
In honor of Muru’s world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, Ryan, Curtis, and director Tearepa Kahi all visited the Collider Supper Suite and Media Studio at Marbl to discuss the truth behind their movie and what it was like making a Hollywood-style action film on location in Te Urewera.
Special thanks to our TIFF 2022 partners A-list Communications, Belvedere Vodka, Marbl Toronto, COVERGIRL Canada, Tres Amici Wines, Toronto Star, and Blue Moon Belgian White beer.
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