XYZ Films took to Twitter this week to share a new photo above, updating the progress on the New Zealand filming of director Toa Fraser‘s coming-of-age period revenge epic, The Dead Lands. A little help from XYZ executive Simon de Bruyn clarifies the item in the picture is called a “patu parāoa”, one of several types of patu representing the ancient weaponry of the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Further Googling details that this particular kind of weapon, carved from whalebone, would be used to bludgeon an enemy’s head, or thrust into the ribs or jaw.
Weaponry, of course, is one of several elements that will be emphasized in depicting an ancient style of Maori martial arts in Fraser‘s new film, with the aid of stunt coordinator Steve McQuillan (Spartacus, The Warrior’s Way, The Lord Of The Rings). XYZ Films is reportedly playing a key role with Fraser, producers Matthew Metcalfe and screenwriter Glenn Standring, and McQuillan, to help deliver and introduce the style of Maori hand-to-hand fighting in the same fashion that helped launch director Gareth Evans and action star Iko Uwais into the global spotlight with the success of The Raid: Redemption and its forthcoming sequel in March, The Raid 2: Berandal.
Recently wrapped from filming with worldwide sales rights already attributed to XYZ Films for most territories, The Dead Lands centers around the story of a chieftain’s teenage son, the sole survivor of the traitorous slaughter of his family and entire tribe, who journeys to a forbidden and feared land to seek the reluctant aid of its keeper, a mysterious “warrior”, to help avenge his people and bring peace and honor to their souls. James Rolleston stars along with Lawrence Makoare, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Xavier Horan, George Henare and Rena Owen.
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