There's a certain charm that so many films from New Zealand have, and the award-winning We Were Dangerous from SXSW is no different. The film is a period dramedy following a trio of friends, young women sent to an institution for delinquent girls on an isolated island in 1954. They're under the watch of a strict, religious matron, who herself is a victim of the period's racism and misogyny. The story is a mix of sharp humor, social commentary, and moving drama, all in a balance that works beautifully. The film was directed by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, who won the special Jury Award for Filmmaking at this year's SXSW. It was written by Maddie Dai. We chatted with these filmmakers (along with a quick hello from producer Morgan Waru) to learn about how the project came together and its biggest challenges. Take the journey alongside these characters and their creators. Enjoy! 'We Were Dangerous'Courtesy of SXSWEditor's note: The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity. No Film School: I think the tone of this film is so well done. It strikes a balance between a period setting and modern conflicts and characters. I would love to know how you all set about finding that balance.Maddie Dai: I guess it's just maybe a little bit of a hallmark of storytelling in New Zealand. Digging around in complicated subjects doesn't overshadow the comedic or human or lighthearted characters at the center of the story. And I guess in and amongst...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Thursday, 21 March, 2024