In Gisborne last night, the premiere of The Dark Horse featuring renowned Māori actors Cliff Curtis and James Rolleston hit the big screen.
The premier was a star studded event and it was a huge occasion for the entire community.
The film is based on the true story of a man called Genesis Potini who suffered from mental illness and through his love of chess and Māori traditions he helps at risk youth in Gisborne.
According to Cliff Curtis, “It's a huge honour to bring this film back to the East Coast, to tell the story of Genesis Potini and his family, and to promote the film.”
Genesis Potini’s wife, Natalie Potini says, “I was so wrapped up in the emotion of it, and trying to seperate it from seeing Cliff Curtis as Genesis Potini as my husband was really hard, but the more I watch it the more I fall in love with the movie.”