Hamish Bennett is a renowned New Zealand Maori writer/director, hailing from the esteemed Te Arawa, Patuharakeke, and Kai Tahu tribes. Throughout his illustrious career, he has garnered widespread recognition for his captivating short films, including The Dump (2011) and Ross & Beth (2014),which have both received numerous accolades.
Bennett's most notable achievement to date is his feature film debut, Bellbird (2019),which masterfully expands upon the world introduced in his earlier shorts. Shot on location in the picturesque rural Northland community where he spent his formative years, Bellbird showcases Bennett's unwavering dedication to his craft. This poignant, deeply personal film has been met with widespread critical acclaim, with Variety describing it as "exquisitely tuned" and Screen International praising it as a "deeply felt slice-of-life delight".
Bellbird premiered at the 2019 Sydney International Film Festival, where it was showcased alongside 11 other films in competition. Following a successful Australasian theatrical run in 2020, the film went on to receive widespread acclaim on the international festival circuit, culminating in the prestigious Best Screenplay award at the Macao International Film Festival.
Despite his success in the film industry, Bennett remains committed to his roots, balancing his passion for filmmaking with part-time teaching, a profession he has been devoted to for over 20 years. He is a proud father of two boys and continues to draw inspiration from his multifaceted life experiences.
