We Were Dangerous

Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu’s We Were Dangerous is a simmering, potent drama set against the stark backdrop of a 1954 New Zealand reform school. It's a story of rebellion, told through the intertwined fates of Nellie and Daisy, two young women seeking escape from a system that seeks to break them. The arrival of Lou adds a complex layer to their dynamic, as the girls navigate the oppressive regime of a devout matron and the unsettling experimental punishments meted out under the cover of night. Director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but rather leans into moments of joy and absurdity in what the trio of young women face. The film pulses with a quiet rage, a testament to the enduring power of friendship in the face of systemic injustice. It's a challenging, yet deeply human story. Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu — last name pronounced Stewart Teh Few — (Ngāpuhi/Te Rarawa) is a New Zealand-based writer and director of Māori and Pākehā descent. In 2016, Josephine was one of the nine Māori women filmmakers involved in Waru, which premiered at TIFF 2017. Available in-person only. Film viewing availability during the online Festival (June 9-15, 2025): Ohskennón:ten Owí:ra (Little Deer) (only in Canada).



In-Person

TIFF Lightbox - Cinema 1

Jun 05

HST EXEMPTION: For Status card holders, please email boxoffice@imagineNATIVE.org if you wish to use your Status card to purchase packages or tickets online. Otherwise, you can visit the imagineNATIVE Box Office in person starting October 18 and present your Status card when purchasing tickets or packages.