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Rena Owen

[Ngāti Hine, Ngā Puhi]

Rena Owen made her name playing courageous battered wife Beth Heke, in landmark film Once Were Warriors. The film won her a run of awards, and international acclaim from Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, The Sydney Morning Herald and Vogue. Since then, Owen has gone before the cameras in Australia, Fiji, Hungary and the United States. 

...Rena Owen, wired with nervous energy, makes a formidable heroine. She exudes an angry, earthy sensuality that brings Jeanne Moreau to mind. Newsweek critic David Ansen, on Once Were Warriors, 5 March 1995

Thumbnail image for Rena Owen: Being Beth Heke...
Interview

Rena Owen: Being Beth Heke...

Interview, 2008

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A Mistake

2024, As: Tessa - Film

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Kāinga

2022, As: Nan (Aho story) - Film

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Whina

2022, As: Whina Cooper (older), Associate Producer - Film

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Vegas

2021, As: Rawina Duncan - Television

Thumbnail image for Vegas - First Episode

Vegas - First Episode

2021, As: Rawinia Duncan - Television

Thumbnail image for NZ Film Commission turns 40 - Past Memories

NZ Film Commission turns 40 - Past Memories

2018, Subject - Web

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All Talk with Anika Moa

2016 - 2017, Guest - Television

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Once Were Warriors - Where Are They Now?

2014, Subject - Television

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The Dead Lands

2014, As: Hongi's Grandmother - Film

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Piece of My Heart

2009, As: Kat - Television

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Rain of the Children

2008, As: Puhi - Film

Thumbnail image for The Tem Show - Star Wars (Episode)

The Tem Show - Star Wars (Episode)

2005, Subject - Television

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Nemesis Game

2003, As: Emily Gray - Film

Thumbnail image for Aroha - Mataora

Aroha - Mataora

2002, As: Wai - Television

Thumbnail image for What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

1999, As: Beth Heke - Film

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9 Across

1998, As: Woman at the bank - Short Film

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I'll Make You Happy

1998, As: Mickie - Film

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When Love Comes

1998, As: Katie Keen - Film

Thumbnail image for Beth's World

Beth's World

1997, Presenter - Television

Thumbnail image for Witi Ihimaera

Witi Ihimaera

1997, As: Aunt Ruth - Television

Thumbnail image for Savage Play - Full Series

Savage Play - Full Series

1995, As: Takiora - Television

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Cover Story

1995 - 1996, As: Mairanga - Television

Thumbnail image for Hinekaro Goes On a Picnic and Blows Up Another Obelisk

Hinekaro Goes On a Picnic and Blows Up Another Obelisk

1995, As: Hinekaro - Short Film

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The Call Up

1995, As: Emily Broughton - Television

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Frontline - Kiwis Cannes Do

1994, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Once Were Warriors

Once Were Warriors

1994, As: Beth Heke - Film

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Shortland Street

2010 - 2011, As: Hine Ryan - Television

Thumbnail image for E Tipu e Rea - Roimata

E Tipu e Rea - Roimata

1989, As: Girlie - Television

Thumbnail image for E Tipu e Rea - Variations on a Theme

E Tipu e Rea - Variations on a Theme

1989, As: Nancy - Television

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Shark in the Park

1990, As: Ngaire - Television