Julian Dennison and Erana James on their new film Uproar

10:05 am on 9 October 2023

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Laughter is not usually something associated with the 1981 Springbok Tour but a new film manages to inject some lighter moments into a seminal period in Kiwi history. 

Uproar is a coming-of-age film starring Hunt for the Wilderpeople's Julian Dennison as 17-year-old Josh Waaka.

As a Maori kid in Dunedin in the '80s, he's treated as an outsider at his school until his talent as an actor is discovered by his drama teacher - played by Rhys Darby.

He's introduced to a young Māori woman, Samantha, played by Erana James - who helps get him involved in the anti-Tour movement.

Uproar had its debut at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this month and is out in cinemas now. Julian and Erana speak to Kathryn about what it was like to go back in time for this film - and how its themes are still relevant today.

Photo: Supplied