James Napier Robertson’s screenplay of The Dark Horse was named best feature script at the 5th annual New Zealand Writers Guild Awards (SWANZ).
Directed by Napier Robertson and produced by Tom Hern, The Dark Horse is based on the true story of New Zealand speed-chess champion Genesis Potini, played by Cliff Curtis (Once Were Warriors, Whale Rider). James Rolleston (Boy) co-stars as Genesis’ nephew Mana.
Despite a bipolar disorder, Potini turned a group of at-risk youth into budding chess champs. In its Toronto review The Hollywood Reporter praised the film as "an emotionally potent story of redemption anchored by a heart-piercing lead performance from Cliff Curtis."
Transmission Films will open the film in Australia on November 20.
The full list of SWANZ winners:
Best Feature Film Script
James Napier Robertson – The Dark Horse
Best Short Film Script
Gregory King – UFO
Best Play
Aroha Awarau – Luncheon
Best Television Comedy Episode
Millen Baird – Auckland Daze Season 2: Episode 1
Best Television Drama Episode
James Griffin – Step Dave: Episode 6
Best Television One-Off Drama
Fiona Samuel – Consent: The Louise Nicholas Story
Unproduced Feature Film Script Competition
Dianne Taylor – The Last Hippie Trail
NZWG Mentorship Award
Elizabeth O’Conner
NZWG Mentorship Award
Caterina De Nave
Best New Writer Award
Gerard Johnstone – Housebound