There have been many documentaries on war and the story of the 28th Maori Battalion has been retold in different mediums by highly regarded historians. This is well and those records build an important archive for future generations.
Beyond the Battalion seeks to take a unique view and trace the steps of a young pakeha filmmaker who is taken under the wing of the Battalion and in particular Ned Nathan. Its follows this filmmaker through his camera and explores what it was like for the men who fought in the bloody conflicts and how it feels to be back 30 years later.
To many it may have looked like a Mediterranean cruise but there were deeper things at play that Michael did not understand at the time. This was a spiritual journey to heal and bring back the kawe mate of those that had been left on the battlefield.
So as we look to tomorrow Michael asks us all what have we learnt from the ravages of war. In Aotearoa we are fortunate to have geographical perspective that allows us to reflect and consider what those messages are. In the battlegrounds where the Sons of Tu Matauenga fought bravely sadly the war continues.
