00:00
/
00:00
The Dark Horse
Film (Trailer) – 2014
The Dark Horse is the story of a Māori ex-speed chess champ who must “overcome prejudice and violence in the battle to save his struggling chess club, his family and ultimately, himself”. Genesis Potini has a bipolar disorder; his nephew Mana (Boy’s James Rolleston) faces being pressed into a gang. A near unrecognisable Cliff Curtis won international acclaim as Potini. James Napier Robertson's acclaimed second feature was picked to opened the 2014 Auckland and Wellington Film Festival, and scored six Moa awards, including Best Picture, Director, Actor and Supporting Actor.
Bravery is contagious– The tagline for the film
Key Cast & Crew
See all 32 credits
Acknowledgements
Made with funding from the New Zealand Film Commission, in association with NZ On Air
Music
Soundtrack composed by Dana Lund.
Includes 'Whakaaria Mai' ('How Great Thou Art) sung by Prince Tui Teka
If you liked this, you might also like...
The NZ Film Commission turns 40
A collection celebrating 40 years of the NZ Film...
Inside Out - Genesis Potini
Documentary about the real life Genesis Potini
Boy
Also stars James Rolleston
Savage
Another film featuring youth in gangs
Whale Rider
Also stars Cliff Curtis
Whina
James Napier Robertson later co-directed this
Hautoa Mā! The Rise of Māori Cinema
Documentary on the history of Māori cinema
But You Don't Care
More chess
I'm Not Harry Jenson
Made by the same director and producer
Once Were Warriors
Cliff Curtis also acts in this
Broken
Also stars Wayne Hapi
Daytime Tiger
Documentary about a man living with bipolar disorder
Ngāti Porou East Coast 2001 - True Colours
Another triumph over adversity true story from the East...
Outrageous Fortune - First Episode
Kirk Torrance also appeared in this TV series as Wayne Judd
Everything We Loved
Also produced by Tom Hern
Lambs
Also produced by Tom Hern
Māui's Hook
Niwa Whatuira starred in this
2016 Matariki Awards
Cliff Curtis wins an award on this
Aroha - Irikura
Cliff Curtis appears in this teleplay
Mananui
Cliff Curtis also acted in this short film
The Luminaries (promo)
Another award-winner shot by Denson Baker
Muru
Another based on a true story drama starring Cliff Curtis