Ka Whawhai Tonu (In the Fire of War) Wins Best Oceanian Film at Septimius Awards 2025 - Mike Jonathan Māori History Shines in Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands — A powerful testament to indigenous resilience and historical memory, the New Zealand epic Ka Whawhai Tonu (Struggle Without End) was distinguished with the award for Best Oceanian Film at the Septimius Awards 2025. The acclaimed historical drama, directed by Mike Jonathan, received the significant honor during the prestigious ceremony held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in the magnificent, richly detailed Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam.

This victory is a monumental achievement for the film, which boldly tackles a pivotal moment in New Zealand history—the New Zealand Wars—from a staunchly Māori perspective. The Best Oceanian Film category celebrates the finest cinematic achievements from the diverse islands and cultures of the vast region, and Ka Whawhai Tonu's success here highlights the growing global appreciation for authentic, compelling storytelling rooted in the indigenous experience of Aotearoa.

The Director Represents Aotearoa

Taking to the ornate stage of the Tuschinski Theater, director Mike Jonathan accepted the award for Best Oceanian Film. Jonathan, who also made his feature directorial debut with this ambitious project, stood as the representative for the immense creative team, the cast, and the entire production that brought this historical narrative to life with authenticity and emotional depth.

Jonathan’s presence underscored the personal and cultural significance of the film. Ka Whawhai Tonu was filmed primarily in the Māori language (Te Reo Māori), a deliberate and crucial decision that immersed the audience in the historical and cultural context of the story. The director’s commitment to telling this story from the perspective of the tangata whenua (people of the land) was recognized not just as an artistic choice, but as a cultural imperative, validating the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous narratives on the world stage.

The Siege of Ōrākau

The film is set during the 1864 siege of Ōrākau, a crucial and dramatic turning point during the New Zealand Wars. It centers on the fictional journeys of two Māori teenagers, Haki and Kōpū, as they navigate the brutal conflict between the defending Māori forces—led by historical figures such as Rewi Maniapoto—and the overwhelmingly larger colonial British army.

Haki, a mixed-race boy captured by the Māori, and Kōpū, a young woman believed to be a medium for the war god, find their lives and destinies intertwined amidst the desperate fight for their ancestral land. The narrative does not shy away from the harsh realities of the conflict, yet its focus remains firmly on the human experience: the resilience of the defenders, the devastating choices they face, and the enduring bonds of community and spirit.

Ka Whawhai Tonu has earned widespread acclaim for its epic action sequences, the sensitive exploration of its young protagonists' coming-of-age against a backdrop of war, and its visual artistry. The film utilizes the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand to underscore the gravity of the struggle, creating a work that is both a powerful war film and a deeply felt, intimate drama about survival and cultural identity.

A Landmark for Oceanian Cinema

The New Zealand feature's double win at the Septimius Awards—it also saw lead actress Hinerangi Harawira-Nicholas take home the award for Best Oceanian Actress—solidifies its standing as a landmark achievement for Oceanian cinema. The awards ceremony in Amsterdam provided a crucial international platform, demonstrating that powerful, local stories can achieve universal resonance when told with conviction and artistic integrity.

This triumph is particularly meaningful for Mike Jonathan, whose directorial debut has received such high-level international recognition. The success of Ka Whawhai Tonu is not only a personal victory but a significant moment for all those dedicated to championing Māori voices and histories within the global film industry. The Septimius Award stands as an acknowledgement of the tireless effort to bring this vital, decades-long struggle for sovereignty and cultural survival to the screen.

The celebration in the Tuschinski Theater was a testament to the powerful, enduring spirit of Aotearoa’s storytellers and the continuing international impact of cinema that tells history from a previously marginalized viewpoint.