A woman walks between the worlds of the living and the dead in search of her lost children. Join us for a special screening and director talk with acclaimed filmmaker Vincent Ward. Tuesday 24 June, 6:30pm

Documentary Drama | 102 mins | M – Violence & offensive language

Te Atamira proudly presents a special screening of Rain of the Children, the acclaimed documentary-drama by award-winning director Vincent Ward, followed by an exclusive Q&A with the filmmaker.

In Rain of the Children, Vincent Ward weaves drama with documentary to uncover the extraordinary life of Puhi, a Tūhoe woman who welcomed him into her world as a young filmmaker in 1978. At that time, Ward created the intimate observational film In Spring One Plants Alone, capturing Puhi’s life in the remote Urewera Ranges as she cared for her adult son Niki, whose schizophrenia left her fearful yet fiercely protective.

Three decades later, haunted by questions about Puhi’s past, Ward returned to explore who she really was—and why she lived as she did. His cinematic journey uncovers a woman of profound resilience and spiritual depth. Chosen at age 12 by the Tūhoe prophet Rua Kenana to marry his son, Puhi bore 14 children and lived through some of the most turbulent events in Aotearoa’s history, including the 1916 police raid at Maungapohatu. The trauma and tragic loss that followed marked her deeply. By the time Ward first filmed her, only one son remained. This film is a poetic, compelling blend of cultural history, docu-drama, and personal quest—revealing a life many believed was cursed, yet was filled with remarkable endurance and love.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Rain of the Children on the big screen, with insights from Vincent Ward himself.

Presented in partnership with Aotearoa New Zealand Film Trust, Milford Galleries, Vincent Ward Films, Film Talks, and Te Atamira.

With heartfelt thanks for the generous support of the Central Lakes Trust and the Queenstown Lakes District Creative Communities Scheme.

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What Critics Say:

“A haunting historical epic… Masterful.” – Hollywood Reporter

“Emotionally rewarding, powerful, and heart-wrenching. A visual and aural artistry at work.” – Variety

“One of the most moving films to come out of New Zealand cinema.” – Radio New Zealand

“A maddening, haunting, moving and extraordinarily watchable film… the most poetic and resonant work this wonderful director has produced.” – Graeme Tuckett, Dominion Post

“A stunning blend of docu-drama, cultural history, and detective story… A thing to be treasured.” – Cliff Taylor, Herald on Sunday

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Awards & Accolades:

Grand Prix Winner, Era New Horizons Film Festival (Poland)

Best Director Nominee, Australian Directors Guild

Best Original Music, NZ Film & TV Awards

Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Best Film Nominee

6 NZFTA Nominations including Best Director