Julian Dennison Stars in 80s New Zealand True Story ‘Uproar’ Trailer
by Alex Billington
August 14, 2023
Source: YouTube
“It’s hard if you can’t do the thing that makes you you.” Blue Fox Entertainment has revealed an official trailer for a film from New Zealand titled Uproar, based on a true story. Premiering at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival next month, playing in the Special Presentations section. “Julian Dennison delivers another charismatic performance in a witty and wise story about a young student trying to find his place among New Zealand’s fight for its national identity.” In 1981 New Zealand, 17-year-old Josh Waaka navigates rugby-centric St Gilbert’s College. Amidst the South African Springboks’ tour and national protests, he embraces acting and Māori heritage. Josh faces a choice: conform or stand up for family, future, and identity. Uproar is his heartwarming journey against a nation’s struggle against racism. Dennison (the kid from Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Deadpool 2, Godzilla vs. Kong) stars as Josh, joined by Minnie Driver, James Rolleston, Rhys Darby, Craig Hall, Mark Mitchinson, and Erana James. Keep an eye out for this film’s world premiere at TIFF, along with an upcoming art house cinema release in the US sometime soon. Have a look.
Here’s the festival trailer for Hamish Bennett & Paul Middleditch’s Uproar, direct from YouTube:
In New Zealand, 1981, Josh Waaka is a 17-year-old square peg in the round, rugby-obsessed hole that is St Gilbert’s College. Meanwhile, the Springboks rugby team, representing Apartheid-era South Africa, are touring New Zealand, sparking nationwide protests and dividing the country. Josh’s newfound passion for acting, as well as a greater awareness of his Māori heritage, sends him tumbling headlong into conflict where he is forced to either conform or stand up for himself, his whānau (family) and his future. Uproar is the funny and heartwarming story of a young man’s battle to find his true voice, set against the volatile backdrop of New Zealand’s fight for its national identity. Uproar is co-directed by NZ filmmakers Hamish Bennett (director of Bellbird and shorts) & Paul Middleditch (director of Terra Nova, A Cold Summer, Separation City, Rapture-Palooza). The screenplay is written by Paul Middleditch, Keith Aberdein, and Sonia Whiteman. Produced by Troy Lum, Emma Slade, Sandra Kailahi, Angela Cudd, Angela Sullivan, and Alberto Marzan. This is premiering at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival coming up this fall. No release dates are set yet, including in New Zealand and Australia – stay tuned for updates. Look good? Who’s interested?
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