Sgt. Haane: Trailer unveiled
The trailer for the never-before-told true WWII story has been unveiled, ahead of the film’s nationwide cinema release on April 23, in time for Anzac Day 2026.
From international award-winning writer and director Tearepa Kahi (Muru, Poi E: The Story of Our Song, Mt Zion) Sgt. Haane tells the story of Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi DCM (Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa) of B Company, 28th Māori Battalion (28 September 1913 – 29 March 1986).
His bravery was described by Lieutenant General Sir Brian Horrocks as “the most gallant feat of arms I witnessed in the course of the war,” culminating in the 1943 attack on the heavily fortified pinnacle of Takrouna, Tunisia.
At five minutes to midnight on 19 April 1943, Haane Manahi led a small group of B Company soldiers, all cousins, in an assault up the near-vertical limestone pinnacle of Takrouna, defended by more than 300 enemy troops. By morning, after severe casualties and the collapse of the chain of command, Haane took charge, repelling repeated counterattacks in hand-to-hand combat to secure the critical strategic position for the Allies.
The film stars Alex Tarrant (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, NCIS: Hawaiʻi, DMV) as Haane Manahi, alongside Niwa Whatuira (The Dark Horse, A Mistake, M3GAN 2.0), Vinnie Bennett (Whina, F9: The Fast Saga, Human Traces), Matuera Ngaropo (Whina) and Poroaki Merritt-McDonald (Muru, The Gone).
Their performances are interwoven with the voices of Māori Battalion descendants including Dr Donna Morrison, Kīngi Biddle, Colin Bennett, Raimona Inia, and Anaru Grant Jr.
The newly released trailer offers a first look at this powerful retelling of an extraordinary act of courage from Aotearoa’s wartime history.
Sgt. Haane opens in cinemas nationwide on April 23.
Watch the trailer HERE
