

Presented by ACMI, Film Victoria and Series Mania
The Panthers
Australian Premiere
When
14–17 Oct 2021
On demand
See below for additional related events
Based on the true story of the Polynesian Panthers, this exquisite period drama energises, illuminates and riles up the rabble-rouser within.
Auckland, 1974. When 20-year-old student Will (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) and his friends are caught stealing a fish from a warehouse, their arrest leads to some pretty serious consequences. When the volatile Samoan gang leader Ice (Beulah Koale from Hawaii Five-0) returns from prison wanting to rouse the Polynesian community into rebellion, Will and his friends are primed to be swept up in the wave – and ultimately lead the Polynesian Panther Party.
Taking their cue from the Black Panther Party, the Polynesian Panthers were born out of racial injustice and the huge disparity in rights for Māori and Pacific Islanders in New Zealand. Halaifonua Fina and Tom Hern's beautifully produced period drama captures the time, the movement and the injustice.
The Panthers made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival where newcomer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi was named a TIFF Rising Star.
The first 2 episodes (45 mins each) will screen in this program. The remaining episodes are coming soon to Paramount+.
Event duration
90 mins
Rating
Unclassified (15+)
Viewers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.