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Hero image for The Silent One

The Silent One

Film (Trailer and Excerpts) – 1984

G
Anyone

Based on Joy Cowley's book, this award-winning children's drama follows the friendship between Jonasi, a deaf mute boy, and a rare white turtle. Jonasi lives in a Pacific Island village. When a drought occurs, the boy and the turtle are blamed and ostracised. Shot largely in Raratonga, this was the first New Zealand movie directed solely by a woman (Yvonne Mackay). Among those playing villagers are Utu star Zac Wallace, George Henare and Pākehā actor Pat Evison. Jenny McLeod's eclectic soundtrack won an NZ Music Award. In this excerpt, Jonasi is excluded from a boar hunt, and first meets the turtle.

The Silent One is about going to the limit and winning…about being special and about people wanting to take that away.
– Director Yvonne Mackay

Key Cast & Crew

Profile image for Anzac Wallace

Anzac Wallace

As: Tasiri

Generic Profile image for Rongo Tupatea Kahu

Rongo Tupatea Kahu

As: Taruga (the Chief)

Generic Profile image for Ian Paul

Ian Paul

Cinematographer

Profile image for Pat Evison

Pat Evison

As: Luisa

Generic Profile image for Telo Malase

Telo Malase

As: Jonasi

Profile image for Yvonne Mackay

Yvonne Mackay

Director

See all 43 credits

Acknowledgements

Made in association with the NZ Film Commission and South Pacific Merchant Finance
Presented with thanks to the New Zealand Film Heritage Trust – Te Puna Ataata

Music

Jenny McLeod’s soundtrack released by Jayrem Records

Soundtrack features the Wellington Regional Orchestra and the Bach Choir

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