the CAST
Powerful performances and an incredible, dedicated crew have brought this New Zealand Pacific story to life in a way that has exceeded all expectations.
At its heart, Mysterious Ways is an interracial love story. There was real chemistry between the leads, established British actor Richard Short (Mary Kills People, Tragedy of Macbeth) (Richard Short – IMDb) and screen newcomer Nick Afoa – who bravely takes on the controversial role after a successful stage career, most famously as Simba in the London West End theatre production of The Lion King.
Nick, who is of Samoan and Croatian heritage, was drawn to the role, saying: “This film bravely confronts issues around sexuality and religion”.
Mysterious Ways tells the story of Peter, a vicar who wants a church wedding with his boyfriend Jason, who is Samoan. For Anglicans, this is not allowed, and homosexuality itself is still very taboo in Samoan culture.
When news of the marriage makes headlines a media storm erupts, and God is forced to step in!
It’s a side of the rainbow community not often explored on the screen despite the impact of religion on millions of LGBTQ+ people around the world.
The supporting cast includes acclaimed Kiwi actor Michael Hurst (Michael Hurst – IMDb), who added real depth to the role of the ‘Bishop,’ who struggles to prevent a schism in his church.
Another Kiwi icon, comedian and TV personality Te Radar, has a wonderful cameo as a talkback host and Maureen Fepuleai’s portrayal of the ‘Aunt’, moved the crew to tears.
Also playing Peter’s daughter is Becky McEwan (Shortland Street), who forms a delighful friendship with Billy, Jason’s young gender-fluid nephew who arrives in town insis=ng they are an angel sent by God to bless the wedding. Newcomer Joe Malu Folau takes this role in a totally unexpected direction which adds a whole new layer to the themes of the film.
the PRODUCTION TEAM
The film has been produced by Ngaire Fuata who is one of New Zealand’s leading Pacific Islands Producers and a founding Director of SunPix. She is of Rotuman and Dutch descent and believes Pacific Islands stories should be told with a Pacific lens.
The script is by Dianna Fuemana, Harry McNaughton and Paul Oremland. Dianna is an award- winning writer for both theatre and the screen. Her work was recognized when she won the Pacific Innovation and Excellence Award at the Creative New Zealand Pasifika Arts Awards. Harry is an excting new Kiwi writer who added a strong contemporary LGBTQ+ feel to the script.
Our Executive Producers are Taualeo’o Stephen Stehlin, Brian Holland, Tracey Gardiner, Tom Abell, Jonathan Unger and Richard Short.
Other amazing crew who came on board in response to the script include Grant McKinnon as DOP (Bellbird, Head High) Grant McKinnon – IMDb, Shayne Radford (Whina, Bellbird, Once Were Warriors) as Production Designer and editor Peter Roberts (Juniper, Savage, The Dark Horse) (Peter Roberts – IMDb). Also, composer David Long (The Luminaries, McLaren, Lord of The Rings) is composing the score.
Director Paul Oremland (100 Men, Like it Is) has been at the forefront of exploring the LGTBQ+ experience in film & television for many years.
He comments, “Most religions still see being gay as sinful. This does huge harm to millions of people in terms of self-esteem, family rejection, and legitimising hatred. A love story where God is on our side is a powerful statement that is needed now more than ever.”
audience and distribution
We are thrilled that local media funding body NZ On Air has come on board during the postproduction to support the film and ensure it will be seen by local audiences on TP Plus after a theatrical window.
As well as our target audience of LGBTQ+ people and allies, other audiences likely to respond well to Mysterious Ways include women, Pacific Island communities, and liberal religious people.
At present, the UK distribution rights have been taken by Peccadillo Pictures. The rest of the world is still available.
We have talked to international distributors who specialise in LGBTQ+ material, and they have commented that, “there is a real lack of material for middle-aged and older gay people”. There is also potential crossover to wider art house and indigenous audiences worldwide.
footnote on themes
Mysterious Ways addresses many topical themes:
Despite advances in equality and acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights, the pendulum is swinging back across much of the world.
• A 2021 survey in Australia found that half of religious gay youth had experienced a conflict between their faith and their sexual identity.
• In the UK, Anglican Vicars are not even allowed to provide a church blessing. Father Lee Taylor from the Parish of LijleIlford states: “It is crazy that we can bless a Nuclear Submarine but not a loving gay relationship”.
• In New Zealand, some Pacific Islands communities, who are just now recognising how they have been colonised, wrestle with Pacific notions of inclusivity and alofa versus the dogma of the sin of homosexuality. It’s acceptance and rejection which results in harm for young Pacific people.
• The world’s Anglican hierarchy gathered this summer for their first meeting in ten years to discuss policy. They re-confirmed an earlier resolution “which rejects homosexuality as incompatible with Scripture”. Because it is the official ‘Church of England’, this position has now been raised in the UK parliament with calls for change or disestablishment.
• In the US 240 Anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been filed in 2022 so far!