Dark Winds and Blood Quantum actor Kiowa Gordon and Sera-Lys McArthur have been announced as part of the cast for Many Wounds, a contemporary re-imagining of Lee Tamahori's 1994 Maori film Once Were Warriors, set within indigenous communities in Canada. Skye Pelletier takes on the lead role of Mashka, a young teenager navigating the challenges of assimilation and emerging as a protector for his family.
Jeremy Torrie, an Ojibway filmmaker, wrote and is directing Many Wounds, drawing from his own experiences growing up indigenous in Winnipeg. The film aims to shed light on the lasting impacts of forced assimilation and genocide by the Canadian government on indigenous peoples, with a focus on revealing uncomfortable truths for societal awareness and healing.
Producer Robin Scholes, known for Once Were Warriors, commended Torrie's bravery in sharing a personal narrative to tell this important story. Once Were Warriors, a successful film by Tamahori, explored the struggles of a Maori family in contemporary New Zealand, propelling the careers of its cast and director to international recognition.
The ensemble cast of Many Wounds includes Brooklyn Letexier-Hart, Alex Meraz, Darla Contois, Gabriel Daniels, and Wesley French. Filming will take place in Winnipeg, on Treaty 1 territory and the traditional lands of various indigenous peoples.
Many Wounds is being produced by White Bear Films in collaboration with Super Channel and Hollywood Suite, with a Canadian release planned through Film Option International. Executive Producers for the film include Robin Scholes, Karen Soich, Ram Getz, and Michael Mortensen.
Representation for the cast members includes Noble Caplan Abrams, Kerner Management Associates, Innovative Artists, Clear Talent Group, Paul Byram Associates, GM Management, Play Management, Sterling Artists Management, and Darryl Mork Talent Management.
