Rena Owen
Encyclopedia
Rena Owen is a New Zealand
actress in film, theatre and television. She is of Maori, Torres Strait Islander and Pakeha
(European) descent. Owen is most well known in the lead role of Beth in the cult classic movie Once Were Warriors
(1994) directed by Lee Tamahori
. The role earned Owen a number of awards including Best Actress at the Montreal World Film Festival
and San Diego International Film Festival. Owen has also worked with arthouse director Rolf de Heer
,test>http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0208854/ Rolf de Heer at IMDb one of Australia's most well known directors, in the film Dance Me to My Song
(1998). Owen played the role of Rix in the movie which earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the AFI Awards
.
who played the role of her husband. In the cast were other prominent Maori actors including Hollywood star Cliff Curtis
and veteran stage and screen actor George Henare
. The movie broke box office records in New Zealand and even surpassed Jane Campion's
film The Piano
. Once Were Warriors is predominantly narrated from Beth's perspective. Owen reprised the role in the film's sequel, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?
(1999).
(2002) (in which Morrison played Jango Fett
) and appeared in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
(2005) as Nee Alavar. She also worked with the Star Wars Expanded Universe
when she reprised her role as Taun We in the video game Star Wars: Republic Commando
and also an uncredited role as Jedi Master Tionne Solusar in the video game Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron
Other roles include Rapa Nui
(1994), Nemesis Game
(2003), and Mee-Shee: The Water Giant
(2005).
, a little town in the North Island
's Bay of Islands
. She comes from a family of nine children. Her father was Māori, her mother Pākēha. While at high school she participated in kapa haka groups and starred in school musicals. Owen trained as a nurse, and spent four years nursing before moving to England.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
actress in film, theatre and television. She is of Maori, Torres Strait Islander and Pakeha
Pakeha
Pākehā is a Māori language word for New Zealanders who are "of European descent". They are mostly descended from British and to a lesser extent Irish settlers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, although some Pākehā have Dutch, Scandinavian, German, Yugoslav or other ancestry...
(European) descent. Owen is most well known in the lead role of Beth in the cult classic movie Once Were Warriors
Once Were Warriors (film)
Once Were Warriors is a 1994 film based on New Zealand author Alan Duff's bestselling 1990 first novel. The film tells the story of an urban Māori family, the Hekes, and their problems with poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, mostly brought on by family patriarch Jake...
(1994) directed by Lee Tamahori
Lee Tamahori
Lee Tamahori is a New Zealand filmmaker best known for directing the 1994 film Once Were Warriors and the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day.-Upbringing and early career:...
. The role earned Owen a number of awards including Best Actress at the Montreal World Film Festival
Montreal World Film Festival
The Montreal World Film Festival , founded in 1977, is one of Canada's oldest international film festivals and the only competitive film festival in North America accredited by the FIAPF...
and San Diego International Film Festival. Owen has also worked with arthouse director Rolf de Heer
Rolf de Heer
Rolf de Heer is a Dutch film director, writer and producer living in Australia. De Heer was born in Heemskerk in The Netherlands but migrated to Sydney when he was eight years old. He attended the Australian Film Television and Radio School in Sydney. His company is called Vertigo Productions and...
,test>http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0208854/ Rolf de Heer at IMDb one of Australia's most well known directors, in the film Dance Me to My Song
Dance Me to My Song
Dance Me to My Song is a 1998 Australian drama film directed by Rolf de Heer. It was entered into the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. The film grossed $175,138 at the box office in Australia.-Cast:* John Brumpton - Eddie* Danny Cowles - Joe...
(1998). Owen played the role of Rix in the movie which earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the AFI Awards
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award, known as the AACTA Award , is an accolade presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts . The awards recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry and television industry, including directors,...
.
Career
In Once Were Warriors, Owen played the role of abused Māori housewife Beth Heke alongside Temuera MorrisonTemuera Morrison
Temuera Derek Morrison is a New Zealand-born actor. He has become one of the country's most famous stars for his roles as the abusive Jake "the Muss" Heke in 1994's Once Were Warriors and as bounty hunter Jango Fett and the Clone Troopers in the Star Wars series...
who played the role of her husband. In the cast were other prominent Maori actors including Hollywood star Cliff Curtis
Cliff Curtis
Clifford Vivian Devon "Cliff" Curtis is a New Zealand actor who has had major roles in film, including The Piano, Whale Rider, and Blow, and most recently has appeared in NBC's television series Trauma. He is also co-owner of independent film production company Whenua Films...
and veteran stage and screen actor George Henare
George Henare
George Winiata Henare, CNZM, OBE is an acclaimed New Zealand actor with a distinguished career spanning more than three decades.-Biography:In 1988, he was awarded an OBE for Services to Theatre...
. The movie broke box office records in New Zealand and even surpassed Jane Campion's
Jane Campion
Jane Campion is a filmmaker and screenwriter. She is one of the most internationally successful New Zealand directors, although most of her work has been made in or financed by other countries, principally Australia – where she now lives – and the United States...
film The Piano
The Piano
The Piano is a 1993 New Zealand drama film about a mute pianist and her daughter, set during the mid-19th century in a rainy, muddy frontier backwater on the west coast of New Zealand. The film was written and directed by Jane Campion, and stars Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill, and Anna Paquin...
. Once Were Warriors is predominantly narrated from Beth's perspective. Owen reprised the role in the film's sequel, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? is a 1999 film, based on Alan Duff's 1996 novel. The film was directed by Ian Mune, and starred Temuera Morrison as abusive Māori husband Jake "the Muss" Heke. The novel is the sequel to Duff's 1990 novel Once Were Warriors, which was made into a 1994 film...
(1999).
Owen shows love fighting back rage and then shame and despair tearing away at love. Her performance is classic.
New York Magazine, 24 April 1995.
Star Wars
Owen voice-acted as Taun We in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the ClonesStar Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones is a 2002 American epic space opera film directed by George Lucas and written by Lucas and Jonathan Hales. It is the fifth film to be released in the Star Wars saga and the second in terms of the series' internal chronology...
(2002) (in which Morrison played Jango Fett
Jango Fett
Jango Fett is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe. He first appeared as one of the main antagonists in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, and later served as the protagonist of the LucasArts video game Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, played by Temuera Morrison.Jango Fett serves as...
) and appeared in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is a 2005 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas. It is the sixth and final film released in the Star Wars saga and the third in terms of the series' internal chronology....
(2005) as Nee Alavar. She also worked with the Star Wars Expanded Universe
Expanded Universe
The term Expanded Universe is generally used to denote the 'extension' of a media franchise with other media...
when she reprised her role as Taun We in the video game Star Wars: Republic Commando
Star Wars: Republic Commando
Star Wars: Republic Commando is a first-person shooter Star Wars video game, released in the US on March 1, 2005. It was developed and published by LucasArts for the Microsoft Windows and Xbox platforms. The game uses Epic Games' Unreal Engine...
and also an uncredited role as Jedi Master Tionne Solusar in the video game Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron
Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron
Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron is the third entry in the Star Wars Battlefront series of video games, first released on October 9, 2007 in North America and later in Australia and Europe. The game was designed as a PlayStation Portable exclusive and features the eponymous Rebel Alliance...
Other roles include Rapa Nui
Rapa Nui (film)
Rapa Nui is a 1994 film directed by Kevin Reynolds. It was produced by Kevin Costner and Barrie M. Osborne, among others. The plot is based on Rapanui legends of Easter Island, Chile, in particular the race for the Sooty Tern's egg in the Birdman Cult....
(1994), Nemesis Game
Nemesis Game
Nemesis Game is a film directed and written by Jesse Warn. This New Zealand movie, called Paper, Scissors, Stone in Canada, is a mystery- thriller involving complex riddles....
(2003), and Mee-Shee: The Water Giant
Mee-Shee: The Water Giant
Mee-Shee: The Water Giant is an Anglo-German family film shot in New Zealand and released in 2005. It stars Bruce Greenwood, Rena Owen, Tom Jackson and Daniel Magder....
(2005).
Personal life
Owen is originally from MoerewaMoerewa
Moerewa is a small town in the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is unusual for its high proportion of Māori - over 80% of the population...
, a little town in the North Island
North Island
The North Island is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, separated from the much less populous South Island by Cook Strait. The island is in area, making it the world's 14th-largest island...
's Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is an area in the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. Located 60 km north-west of Whangarei, it is close to the northern tip of the country....
. She comes from a family of nine children. Her father was Māori, her mother Pākēha. While at high school she participated in kapa haka groups and starred in school musicals. Owen trained as a nurse, and spent four years nursing before moving to England.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1994 1994 in film 1994 was a significant year in film.The top grosser worldwide was The Lion King, which to date stands as the highest-grossing traditionally-animated film of all time... |
Hinekaro Goes on a Picnic and Blows Up Another Obelisk | Hinekaro |
| 1994 1994 in film 1994 was a significant year in film.The top grosser worldwide was The Lion King, which to date stands as the highest-grossing traditionally-animated film of all time... |
Once Were Warriors Once Were Warriors (film) Once Were Warriors is a 1994 film based on New Zealand author Alan Duff's bestselling 1990 first novel. The film tells the story of an urban Māori family, the Hekes, and their problems with poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, mostly brought on by family patriarch Jake... |
Beth Heke |
| Rapa Nui Rapa Nui (film) Rapa Nui is a 1994 film directed by Kevin Reynolds. It was produced by Kevin Costner and Barrie M. Osborne, among others. The plot is based on Rapanui legends of Easter Island, Chile, in particular the race for the Sooty Tern's egg in the Birdman Cult.... |
Hitirenga | |
| 1995 1995 in film -Top grossing films:-Events:* March 22 - The Dogme 95 movement is officially announced in Paris by Danish directors Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg.* March 28 - Actress Julia Roberts and singer Lyle Lovett announce their plans for separation.... |
Savage Play Savage Play Savage Play is a 1995 New Zealand drama film directed by Alan Lindsay and starring Peter Bland, James Fleming and Paris Jefferson. During a rugby tour of Britain and Ireland in 1888, a young New Zealander searches for his father who he has never met. While there he falls in love with the daughter... |
Takiora |
| 1998 1998 in film -Events:* February 14 - Sharon Stone marries Phil Bronstein.* Former child star Gary Coleman is charged with assaulting a young female bus driver at a California shopping mall.-Top grossing films:... |
Dance Me to My Song Dance Me to My Song Dance Me to My Song is a 1998 Australian drama film directed by Rolf de Heer. It was entered into the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. The film grossed $175,138 at the box office in Australia.-Cast:* John Brumpton - Eddie* Danny Cowles - Joe... |
Rix |
| When Love Comes Along | Katie | |
| 1999 1999 in film The year 1999 in film involved several noteworthy events and has been called "The Year That Changed Movies". Several significant feature films, including Stanley Kubrick's final film Eyes Wide Shut, Pedro Almodóvar's first Oscar-winning film All About My Mother, science fiction The Matrix, Deep... |
I'll Make You Happy | Mickie |
| What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? is a 1999 film, based on Alan Duff's 1996 novel. The film was directed by Ian Mune, and starred Temuera Morrison as abusive Māori husband Jake "the Muss" Heke. The novel is the sequel to Duff's 1990 novel Once Were Warriors, which was made into a 1994 film... |
Beth Heke | |
| 2000 2000 in film The year 2000 in film involved some significant events.The top grosser worldwide was Mission: Impossible II. Domestically in North America, Gladiator won the Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Actor .... |
Her Iliad | Lena |
| All-American Girl: The Mary Kay Letourneau Story | Soona Fualaau | |
| 2001 2001 in film The year 2001 in film involved some significant events, including the first of the Harry Potter series and also the first of The Lord of the Rings trilogy... |
A.I. Artificial Intelligence A.I. (film) A.I. Artificial Intelligence, also known as A.I., is a 2001 science fiction drama film directed, produced and co-written by Steven Spielberg. Based on Brian Aldiss' short story "Super-Toys Last All Summer Long", the film stars Haley Joel Osment, Frances O'Connor, Jude Law, Sam Robards, Jake Thomas... |
Ticket Taker |
| Soul Assassin | Karina | |
| 2002 2002 in film The year 2002 in film involved some significant events. The first significant releases of sequels took place between The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Men in Black II, Analyze That, Spy Kids 2: The Island of... |
A Thousand Guns | The Gypsy |
| Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones | Taun We | |
| sIDney Sidney Sidney may refer to:-United States:* Sidney, Arkansas* Sidney, Illinois* Sidney, Indiana* Sidney, Iowa* Sidney, Kentucky* Sidney, Maine* Sidney, Montana* Sidney, Nebraska* Sidney , New York** Sidney , New York* Sidney, Ohio... |
Clarissa | |
| 2003 2003 in film The year 2003 in film involved some significant events. Releases of sequels took place with movies like The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Pokémon Heroes, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,... |
Nemesis Game Nemesis Game Nemesis Game is a film directed and written by Jesse Warn. This New Zealand movie, called Paper, Scissors, Stone in Canada, is a mystery- thriller involving complex riddles.... |
Emily Gray |
| 2004 2004 in film The year 2004 in film involved some significant events. Major releases of sequels took place. It included blockbuster films like Shrek 2, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Passion of the Christ, Meet the Fockers, Blade: Trinity, Spider-Man 2, Alien vs. Predator, Kill Bill Vol... |
Pear ta ma 'on maf" | Warrior Woman |
| 2005 2005 in film - Highest-grossing films :Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top-grossing films that were first released in the United States in 2005... |
The Horrible Flowers | Linda |
| The Crow: Wicked Prayer The Crow: Wicked Prayer The Crow: Wicked Prayer is a 2005 American film directed by Lance Mungia and inspired by Norman Partridge's novel of the same title. It is the fourth and final film based on The Crow comic book by James O'Barr. It had a one week theatrical premiere on June 3, 2005 at AMC Pacific Place Theatre in... |
Mary | |
| Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith | Nee Alavar | |
| Mee-Shee: The Water Giant Mee-Shee: The Water Giant Mee-Shee: The Water Giant is an Anglo-German family film shot in New Zealand and released in 2005. It stars Bruce Greenwood, Rena Owen, Tom Jackson and Daniel Magder.... |
Crazy Norma | |
| Freezerburn | Lee | |
| 2006 2006 in film - Highest-grossing films :Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top-grossing films that were first released in the United States in 2006... |
Leela Leela (film) Leela is a 2002 drama film directed by Somnath Sen. The movie stars Dimple Kapadia and Deepti Naval. The film's story is loosely based on Summer of '42,. The film premiered at Reel World Film Festivalm, Toronto, in 2005... |
Mother |
| Pledge of Allegiance | Maria Macintyre | |
| The Iron Man | Dolores | |
| 2007 2007 in film This is a list of major films released in 2007.-Top grossing films:Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top grossing films that were first released in the USA in 2007... |
Ocean of Pearls Ocean of Pearls Ocean of Pearls is a movie released in 2008. It is the first film directed by Sarab Singh Neelam, a Sikh gastroenterologist from Troy, Michigan. It was written by Neelam and Veerendra Prasad.-Plot:... |
Anna Berisha |
| 2008 2008 in film This is a list of all major films made in 2008.-Highest-grossing films:Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top grossing films that were first released in the USA in 2008... |
Rain of the Children Rain of the Children Rain of the Children is a 2008 feature film written, directed and produced by Vincent Ward.In Rain of the Children, Ward further explores the subject of his earlier film, In Spring One Plants Alone when, as a young film student he travelled to the Ureweras and documented the lives of an elderly... |
Puhi Tatu |
| 2009 2008 in film This is a list of all major films made in 2008.-Highest-grossing films:Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top grossing films that were first released in the USA in 2008... |
Karma Kula Mystic Warrior | Queen Puta |
| 2009 2009 in film The year 2009 saw the release of many films. Seven made the top 50 list of highest-grossing films, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that as of this year, their Best Picture category would consist of ten nominees, rather than five .- Highest-grossing films :Please note... |
Amusement Amusement Amusement is the state of experiencing humorous and entertaining events or situations, and is associated with enjoyment, happiness, laughter and pleasure... |
Psychiatrist |
| 2011 2011 in film The year 2011 is notable for containing the release of the most film sequels in a single year, at 27 sequels. The following tables list films that are in production or have completed production and will be released in the United States and Canada at some point in 2011.- Highest-grossing films :... |
Witness Insecurity Witness Insecurity Witness Insecurity is an upcoming thriller film based on the novel by Eric Troyer. Filming began on May 2010.-Plot:The story centers around Johnny Graham who was raised by the Torino crime family after his parents' death... |
Judge |
Television
- MedivacMedivac (TV series)Medivac was an Australian television drama series that ran on Network Ten from 1996 to 1998. There were 48 episodes produced. Medivac is an abbreviation of the term medical evacuation...
(1996–1998) - AngelAngel (TV series)Angel is an American television series, a spin-off of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The series was created by Buffys creator, Joss Whedon, in collaboration with David Greenwalt, and first aired on October 5, 1999...
, (2002) Dinza, episode: Ground State - Piece of My HeartPiece of My Heart (film)Piece of My Heart is a New Zealand film from 2009 starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Annie Whittle, Emily Barclay, and Rena Owen. It is about teen mums in 1960s New Zealand and what really happened in their harrowing journeys from pregnancy to birth to adoption....
Kat - Prison Break, (2009) prison guard, episode: The Final Break
- Shortland StreetShortland StreetShortland Street is a New Zealand prime-time soap opera, first broadcast on Television New Zealand's TV2 on 25 May 1992. It is the country's longest-running drama and soap opera, being broadcast continuously for over 4500 episodes and 19 years, and is one of the most watched television programs in...
, (2010–2011) Hine RyanHine RyanHine Ryan is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She is portrayed by internationally renowned actress Rena Owen and was on the soap from November 2010 to February 2011.-Back Story:...
External links
- Official site
- ScreenTalk Interview with Rena Owen - December 2008. Requires Flash video software (60.4 MB).
- Rena's NZ On Screen profile