Once Were Warriors is one of the most successful New Zealand films ever made; the intense drama affected audiences deeply. Twenty years later director Julian Arahanga (who played gang prospect Nig) travels around Aotearoa, Australia and the United States to assemble the "Heke whānau" for a reunion. Each actor brings different memories to the table; Temuera Morrison recalls the pressure he was under to prove he could tackle Jake the Muss, while Rena Owen remembers pouring her soul into a role she loved. Casting director and late screen legend Don Selwyn is also credited for his contributions.