THE PANTHERS

ORIGINAL SERIES

Created by Halaifonua Fiau & Tom Hern

Drama | Mini Series | 6 eps | Sound Editorial & Full Sound Mix

Auckland, 1974 - in the face of increased racial-targeting, a group of Polynesian students and street gangsters form a revolutionary movement for justice and equality. Based on true events.

"The Panthers" is a limited series from Aotearoa about the Polynesian Panther Party, which in the 1970s following the lead of the Black Panther Party, were founded to fight for the fair and equal treatment of indigenous minorities, working specifically to protect the Pasifika peoples of New Zealand. The show follows Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as the Panthers founder Will ‘Ilolahia and is one of only four series that will be shown as part of the TIFF program. Dimitrius was named as a Rising Start at TIFF 2021.

The Panthers has also claimed home success as the strongest ever opening week for a drama on TVNZ OnDemand

Winner of multiple NZ TV Awards 2022, including Best Contribution to a Soundtrack - Native Audio.