Don Selwyn
Don Charles Selwyn ONZM (22 November 1935 – 13 April 2007) was a Māori actor and filmmaker from New Zealand. He was a founding member of the New Zealand Maori Theatre Trust and directed the 2002 film The Merchant of Venice, the first Maori language feature film with English subtitles.[1]
Don Selwyn ONZM | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 22 November 1935 Taumarunui, New Zealand |
| Died | 13 April 2007 (aged 71) Auckland, New Zealand |
| Occupation | Actor, filmmaker |
Life
Born of Ngāti Kurī and Te Aupōuri descent, Selwyn grew up in Taumarunui and began his professional life as a teacher. In 1984 he began a film and television training course for Maori and Pacific Islanders. In 1992 he co-founded He Taonga Films. In 2007 the Arts Foundation of New Zealand selected him for an Icon Award, which was awarded to him privately shortly before he died.
He appeared in an episode of Ngaio Marsh Theatre in 1977.
In the 1999 New Year Honours, Selwyn was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to theatre, film and television.[2]
Selected filmography
- Rangi's Catch (1973) as Mr. Rukuhia
- Sleeping Dogs (1977) as Taupiri
- Came a Hot Friday (1985) as Norm
- My Letter to George (1986) as Joseph
References
- "Veteran Maori film-maker and actor Don Selwyn dies". The New Zealand Herald. NZPA. 13 April 2007. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
- "New Year honours list 1999". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 1998. Retrieved 31 August 2019.