We Were Dangerous

New Zealand Production
Feature 2024 Drama 83.00 minutes
WEBSITE202 TEMOTU HK 100922 87
In 1954 New Zealand, Nellie and Daisy attempt to escape an institution for delinquent girls, but they are caught and it triggers a relocation to a facility on a remote island. The duo become a trio as well-to-do Lou joins them, and life on the island takes shape under the command of the devout Matron. The trio rail against the system, dubious of the benevolence of the bible and taking refuge in their blossoming friendship. It’s hard to reform girls who don’t believe they need reforming. However, a sense of doom settles in when experimental forms of punishment take place in the dead of night. Nellie and Daisy plot rebellion, but unexpectedly find themselves at odds with Lou, who is afraid to break the rules.
2024: SXSW Film Festival - Narrative Feature Competition
Special Jury Award for Filmmaking
Hawai’i International Film Festival
Pasifika Award for Best Feature Film
Schlingel International Film Festival for Children and Young Audience
Winner Fair Play Award
San Diego International Film Festival
Winner Best Women in Film Series
Kerry International Film Festival
Winner Best Narrative Feature
BUFF International Children and Young People's Film Festival Malm
BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival
Sydney Film Festival – In Competition First Nations Award
Melbourne International Film Festival
Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival
Leiden International Film Festival
Chicago International Film Festival – Snapshots
Aussie & Kiwi Film Festival Prague
Philadelphia Film Festival
San Diego Asian Film Festival
Perth International Film Festival
Darwin International Film Festival
Byron Bay International Film Festival
Brisbane International Film Festival
2025: Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival
Birrarangga Film Festival

Directors

Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu

Producers

Morgan Waru
Polly Fryer

Screenplay Writers

Maddie Dai

Executive Producers

Carthew Neal
Taika Waititi
Bill Way
Elliott Whitton
Emily Gotto

Cast

Erana James
Nellie
Nathalie Morris
Lou
Manaia Hall
Daisy
Rima Te Wiata
Matron

Crew

Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu | Additional Writing
María Inés Manchego NZCS | Director of Photography
Hansjörg Weißbrich | Editor
Richard Shaw | Editor
Miro Harré | Production Design
Cam Ballantyne | Music Composition
Kate McGill | Casting
Daisy Chiara Marcuzzi | Costume Designer
Katie Melody Rogers | Make Up Designer

Production Company

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