Te Ao O’Hinepehinga talks about playing Jason Momoa’s wife in ‘Chief of War’

Te Ao O’Hinepehinga in ‘Chief of War.’ Photo Courtesy of Apple TV+

Polynesian actress Te Ao O’Hinepehinga chatted about playing Jason Momoa’s wife in “Chief of War” on Apple TV+.

How was your experience in “Chief of War”?

Where to begin… it was a life changing experience. I spent months during the audition period scouring the internet for any pieces of knowledge I could find.

Learning everything I could from the journals of 1800s explorers, early Hawaiian newspapers, history books online and that was just the beginning.

Once I booked the job, I had to learn ‘Olelo Hawai’i, the Hawaiian language. We had a classroom set up in the production office during the day and spent hours every night working on the language with our individual coaches.

Kalei Kawa’a, my language coach became instrumental in the creation of Kupuohi.

Who better to show me what it was to be a Kanaka woman then this powerhouse Wahine who had dedicated her life to preserving the language and teaching it to the next generation.

She was my compass during the entire filming process; I couldn’t have done it without her. 

What did you like most about your character?

I loved her strength! My family will tell you, I’m a complete marshmallow, but the women who raised me are fierce.

They blaze through this world unapologetically and stepping into Kupuohi’s shoes, emulating her mana and the mana of the women who raised me, strengthened my own voice and resilience.

I am a better person having walked in her shoes for a moment.

What was it like working with Jason Momoa?

That man is a powerhouse of energy. It’s infectious. There is never a dull moment with him and it’s exactly the kind of energy you want on a day that is freezing cold. Which was often some months of shooting.

I honestly don’t know where he gets all that energy from but I was grateful to share it on days when I had nothing left in the tank.

What did this screenplay teach you about yourself?

Oh geez that’s a long list… This was my first big US project, so I learned a lot about how things work on that side of the world.

We have been very lucky in Aotearoa; the TV and Film industry we have created sets a very high standard not only in work ethic but storytelling as well.

Creatives like Merata Mita and Lee Tamahori created a space where indigenous storytelling can thrive and maintain its authenticity. But we work different and I loved the challenge of that!

What is your advice for young and emerging actors?

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. This job will challenge you to confront different parts of yourself and your perception of the world, embrace it!

I promise it’s good for you. Even if it feels weird at the time, that just means it’s working.

What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)

Happiness. Whatever that looks like for you.

What would you like to tell our readers about “Chief of War”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)

Be open. There’s always more to the story.

To learn more about Polynesian actress Te Ao O’Hinepehinga, follow her on Instagram.