Julian Dennison’s new movie Uproar: ‘Too white for the marae, too brown for where he is’

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

Growing up, award-winning actor Julian Dennison says he struggled with cultural identity.

Starring as Josh Waaka in the recently released movie Uproar, he says playing the role has meant something personal to him.

“I grew up in a predominantly Pākeha school, so to be able to tell the story of a young man who’s too white for the marae but too brown for where he is was very special.”

The film is set in Dunedin 1981 and focuses on 17-year-old Waaka’s self-identity journey during the Springbok tour protests.

Uproar had its Aotearoa New Zealand premiere in Newmarket last week.

Initially, Dennison wasn’t too aware of the 1981 Springbok tour events as he’s only 20 years old but shares a personal connection with the event.

‘Your maunga knows you’

“Both of my parents were at the Hamilton game. Mum was protesting. I think Dad was trying to watch the game.”

Springbok Tour 1981 Aerial view of Rugby Park Hamilton 25 July 1981 with 300 anti-tour protesters on the field surrounded by police ahead of the Waikato v South Africa game, which was abandoned. Photo / Peter Drury

Dennison is of Māori (Ngāi Takoto) and Pākeha descent.

Despite still reconnecting with his Māori heritage, Dennison hopes the film can inspire other young Māori to embrace their culture.

“Be proud of who you are. I love what Rawiri Waititi says, ‘you don’t know your maunga but your maunga knows you. You don’t know your awa but your awa knows you… I don’t know a lot but I know where I come from’.”

Co-director and co-writer Hamish Bennett (Te Arawa, Patuharakeke, Ngāi Tahu) says they wanted to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the film with kaupapa Māori by involving mana whenua at every stage.

“We had involvement from script stage to casting. The haka was choreographed and performed by mana whenua. At every stage, their involvement was incredibly important.”

Optimism and joy

Despite events in the film taking place in the 1980s, co-director Paul Middleditch says the film is still relevant to today’s society.

“What’s exciting for me is to see that in 2023, this is a film that’s right for now. There was so much for us to look at then to see what we are now.”

Middleditch says “Ultimately, I hope what you learn from this film is that there’s an optimism and a joy, particularly about when you find your voice”.

The film will be in cinemas from October 5.